Skillsoft’s AI Training Boom Signals Shift in How Enterprises Tackle Tech Talent Gaps
Skillsoft is riding a new wave of enterprise urgency—and it’s powered by artificial intelligence. The digital learning platform (NYSE: SKIL) has reported a major spike in learner engagement, driven by surging demand for AI and tech upskilling across global organizations. In its latest announcement, Skillsoft says its tech learner base has grown 30% year over year, with AI-specific learners up 74% and total AI learning hours skyrocketing by 158%.
This growth isn’t just a stat-padding exercise—it points to a broader shift in how enterprises are investing in human capital during a time of tech disruption. As AI becomes more than a buzzword and starts altering the skill requirements across IT, cybersecurity, data, and cloud infrastructure, companies are scrambling to close knowledge gaps and reskill workers at scale.
Enterprise IT Faces a Talent Crunch
According to Skillsoft’s own IT Skills & Salary report, 65% of IT leaders say their teams lack critical skills. That’s not just bad for morale—it’s putting entire projects and business objectives at risk. Slower delivery timelines, increased workloads, and misaligned digital strategies are just some of the ripple effects.
“Nearly every organization is under immense pressure to keep pace with rapid technological change,” said Apratim Purakayastha, GM of Talent Development Solutions at Skillsoft. “We’re enabling our customers to capitalize on a transformative moment in time.”
That “transformative moment” is code for generative AI, quantum computing, and automation—all rapidly moving targets that require real-time upskilling.
A One-Stop Learning Shop for Technical Skills
Skillsoft’s tech skilling solution offers a buffet of more than 325,000 learning assets and a range of interactive formats: on-demand content, instructor-led training, skill assessments, AI-powered simulations, labs, and certification prep. It’s a blended model designed for both flexibility and scale—whether you’re training junior developers or reskilling entire departments.
Some highlights from Skillsoft’s recent upgrades include:
-
Skill Benchmarking: Usage is up 161% YoY, with learners averaging a 20% skill gain. These hands-on assessments help companies track real progress, not just course completions.
-
Expanded Course Catalog: New content from Global Knowledge and Codecademy now includes hot topics like machine learning, cybersecurity, and quantum computing.
-
Certification Prep: Skillsoft now supports more than 500 certifications from AWS, Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, and others.
-
CAISY™ AI Coach: An award-winning simulation tool that helps learners tackle real-world scenarios like cybersecurity investigations and data team building.
The focus is clearly on applicability—giving learners not just the “what,” but the “how” when it comes to applying new skills on the job.
From Theory to Impact: Real-World Use Cases
Two enterprise customers—CGI and DB Systel—show how Skillsoft’s platform is being deployed at scale.
CGI, one of the largest IT consulting firms globally, rolled out a massive AI skilling initiative across 70,000 employees. Within three months, learners earned over 140,000 course completion badges, and 90% of them said they felt confident applying AI at work. That kind of measurable outcome is exactly what most L&D platforms struggle to deliver.
Meanwhile, DB Systel—the IT arm of Deutsche Bahn—ditched its traditional classroom onboarding in favor of Skillsoft’s digital-first model. The result? A fast-tracked, three-month training program that equipped new grads with DevOps and automation skills, readying them for critical roles in Germany’s rapidly digitizing transport infrastructure.
What This Means for the HR Tech Landscape
Skillsoft’s surge in AI and tech upskilling comes as more HR tech platforms angle to become the central nervous system for enterprise learning. The market is already competitive, with players like Coursera, Pluralsight, and LinkedIn Learning offering specialized tracks for tech professionals. But Skillsoft’s blend of live training, simulations, and certification support may give it an edge in industries where hands-on, validated skills are mission-critical.
It also signals a shift in how learning and development is measured. It’s no longer enough to offer content. Platforms need to deliver measurable skill acquisition, tie learning directly to business goals, and accommodate both technical complexity and varied learning styles.
Skillsoft’s recent growth suggests it’s hitting that sweet spot—especially for companies navigating the high-stakes world of AI adoption and digital transformation.
Join thousands of HR leaders who rely on HRTechEdge for the latest in workforce technology, AI-driven HR solutions, and strategic insights.
Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Public relations, investor relations, public policy and marketing professionals rely on Business Wire for secure and accurate distribution of market-moving news and multimedia. Founded in 1961, Business Wire is a trusted source for news organizations, journalists, investment professionals and regulatory authorities, delivering news directly into editorial systems and leading online news sources via its multi-patented NX network. Business Wire’s global newsrooms are available to meet the needs of communications professionals and news media worldwide.
