Challenge
The company’s IT organization was under significant pressure to adapt to evolving technologies like cloud computing, mobile, and social platforms while supporting global operations. However, fragmented training resources and limited visibility into staff competencies hindered employee engagement and development. Internal surveys showed IT employee engagement lagging behind other departments, raising concerns about workforce morale and retention.
A reliance on contractors further exposed gaps in internal capabilities, leaving the company vulnerable to rising costs and a lack of institutional knowledge. To address these issues, the organization needed a robust talent management system that could provide actionable insights into staff competencies and support career fulfillment across all IT roles.
Solution
The company partnered with Technology Partners to implement IT Skill Builder (ITSB), a centralized platform designed to revolutionize talent management. ITSB began with a competency framework, developed in collaboration with subject matter experts, to assess and benchmark skills across all 64 IT job roles. Employees completed self-assessments that measured their proficiency in technical and core competencies, generating heat maps that highlighted skill gaps and development opportunities.
ITSB simplified access to training resources by mapping relevant materials directly to individual needs. Employees could explore career paths, evaluate their readiness for new roles, and create personalized development plans. The tool also offered managers aggregated, anonymized data to identify team strengths and areas for growth, supporting more effective performance reviews and team planning.
Change management was integral to ITSB’s success. Employees participated in training sessions that emphasized accountability for their own development and highlighted the value of partnering with managers to achieve career goals. By integrating ITSB into its broader talent strategy, the company positioned its IT workforce to navigate future challenges confidently.
Results
The adoption of ITSB delivered measurable benefits for the organization. Within eight months, 75% of IT employees voluntarily engaged with the platform, a testament to its user-friendly design and perceived value. By identifying and addressing skill gaps, the company reduced its reliance on contractors and strengthened its internal talent pipeline.
Managers leveraged ITSB to guide team development, ensuring that employees were equipped to meet evolving technological demands. Leadership development initiatives saw marked improvement, with ITSB providing structured pathways for employees aspiring to advance within the organization.
ITSB exemplifies how personalized development tools can drive workforce engagement and align organizational goals with employee aspirations. We’re proud to have partnered on this transformative initiative.
Kath Marston
Service Line Manager, Technology Partners
The tool also improved workforce morale by demonstrating the company’s commitment to career fulfillment. Employees gained clear visibility into their career paths and actionable steps to achieve their goals, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement. These advancements positioned the company’s IT workforce as a competitive advantage, ready to tackle future challenges.
Key Outcomes
- 75% voluntary engagement with ITSB within eight months.
- Strengthened internal talent pipeline by reducing reliance on contractors.
- Enhanced leadership development through structured career pathways.
- Improved IT workforce morale and engagement through personalized development plans.
