Press Release: Slow Down in IT Training Courses Represents Concerning Trend in Progress Towards Business Digitalization

60% Reduction in IT Professional Training During COVID-19 Pandemic

DIEGEM, BELGIUM, September 29, 2020

CTG, a market leader in information technology solutions and services, including professional IT training, today released their findings that companies in Belgium have drastically cut their IT training budgets due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent months, the company recorded up to sixty percent fewer training requests than the same period last year, representing a concerning trend in training necessary as businesses make a move towards digitalization.

The COVID-19 crisis accelerated the digital transformation of many companies, which helped them  withstand the period of uncertainty. However, during this same period, many companies invested less in training for their IT professionals. As a result, companies now risk having IT professionals skilled in the use of outdated technologies and methodologies. There is also a risk that these professionals will move to a competitive company that provides regular training opportunities and continuous learning.

"Today's IT professionals want to keep their IT skills up to date, and companies who wish to remain competitive must provide the opportunity for constant training and continuous learning. The technologies and skills that we are training today will no longer be valid five years from now. If companies want to stay ahead of the move to digitalization and remain competitive, they must offer their IT professionals regular training," says Michaël Pilaeten, CTG's Learning and Development Manager in Belgium.

IT Professionals Prefer Classroom Training Over Virtual

In addition to smaller IT training budgets, the fear of COVID-19 exposure has also played a significant role in the recent decline in IT training. Even though physical classrooms now meet the necessary security requirements, companies remain hesitant to return thus far. While the majority of the courses are now offered as an instructor-led online course, some professionals have a concern with this form of training delivery. 

Pilaeten continued, "Online training can be as valuable as classroom training, especially if the trainer is as involved and expects as much from the participants as in offline training. This can be achieved through homework and by keeping a close eye on participant focus and attention in a virtual environment. At CTG, we bring in an extra trainer during the virtual training sessions whose role is to ensure attendees' understanding and participation. They also help consolidate participant questions and submit them all to the trainer at one time.

Four Times More IT Training for Freelancers

CTG expects companies will begin to invest in training again in 2021 if Belgian IT freelancers are any indication. IT freelancers participated in four to five times more IT training courses than full-time employed IT professionals during the same period.

Training as major differentiator

While the market is recovering, CTG keeps investing in the concept of Continuous Learning, by expanding the current portfolio with new trainings, revamping existing trainings and altering the training formats.

For more information about CTG Academy, CTG’s Training program – please visit https://training.ctg.com/

For more information about CTG's comprehensive IT solutions offerings and delivery center capabilities, please visit www.ctg.com.

About CTG

CTG has established a reputation for responsiveness and reliability—traits that our clients say set us apart—since our founding in 1966. Today, we provide comprehensive information, technology, and business solutions that address critical challenges for clients in high-growth industries in North America, South America, and Western Europe. Backed by a proven track record of reliable delivery, CTG fosters long-term client relationships and trust, which allows us to develop strategic insights that maximize client investments in solutions and competitive advantage. CTG has operations in North America, South America, Western Europe, and India and regularly posts news and other important information online at www.ctg.com.