TAFE Enterprise – the arm of TAFE NSW that offers customised and flexible training for industries – conducted a survey of managers from more than 400 businesses in a range of industries. The 'Skills and Australian Business Report 2018' gives insights into what areas are most important to the modern workplace.

1. Technical skills

Almost half (49%) of respondents to the survey realised that training in technical skills – like data analysis, programming or the latest research techniques specific to your industry – is crucial to their company’s productivity. The ability for individual staff members to have up-to-date technical skills means they can gather meaningful insight into their own work and make improvements with autonomy.

2. IT skills

Yes, IT skills fall under technical skills, but 38% of responders feel they are important enough to get their own category. Investing in the necessary IT training to keep up with technological advancements and programs keeps the entire workforce up to date and able to smoothly transition through change. Plus, managers can avoid the need to keep hiring new ‘experts’ in different programs.

3. Management and leadership

Coming in just behind technical skills in importance is management and leadership training, with 47% of employers focusing their staff training in this area. This is a reflection of the rising demand for soft skills and includes things like teamwork, written and verbal communication, adaptability and problem-solving. It’s these soft skills that can make you adaptable and willing to learn. How do you train for these real-world skills that are often hard to measure in the same way as hard skills? You make sure that industry experts are offering the training.

4. Customer service

Despite recognition of the ever-increasing demand from customers for a better experience, only 19% of respondents feel customer service is a key focus of training. Competition is fierce, especially with increasing globalisation. The rising expectations of this customer-centricity places pressure on organisations to raise customer-service standards. Ensure you are equipped with the right customer skills to keep the customer happy.

How to train staff

TAFE NSW means business

TAFE Enterprise Flexibility to fit in with work schedules is essential. It might sound like a lot to find in one place, but TAFE Enterprise has plenty of short courses and micro-learnings that are a great way to upskill your team while minimising time away from work.

TAFE NSW The leading provider of education and training in Australia, TAFE NSW offers over 1,200 courses with a wide range of study options from online courses to diplomas and degrees, training and full-time education.

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