2024 in Review: Elevating Training Excellence in a Technical World
As the year winds down, it’s a good time to reflect on the evolution of training and workforce development in technical industries. This year has been a reminder of how vital continuous learning is—not just for meeting today’s demands, but for preparing teams to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Training programs are no longer just a checkbox for compliance; they’ve become a strategic tool for retention, engagement, and operational excellence.
So, what made 2024 stand out in the training world, and how can organizations build on this momentum in 2025?
The Core of Effective Training: Practical Knowledge and SME Expertise
If there’s one thing we’ve seen time and again, it’s that technical training works best when it’s built on practical, real-world knowledge. Subject matter experts (SMEs) bring something you just can’t replace: the kind of experience that goes beyond standards and formulas to show how things really work on the ground. The real challenge is making sure that expertise doesn’t get lost, especially with retirements and workforce turnover always on the horizon.
In addition to site-specific training, operator qualification programs and skills and competencies roadmaps have really started to catch on. They’re a great way to get everyone on the same page, with consistent skills and a shared understanding of how things should be done. But it’s not just about bringing in external training—more and more companies are looking for help to build their own training programs. Creating a solid, repeatable training cycle means they can hold on to that critical knowledge, even as people move into new roles or teams change over time.
The Impact: Retention and Operational Excellence
The connection between training and retention is impossible to ignore. Employees want to feel like their growth is a priority—it’s what keeps them engaged and motivated. The numbers back this up: over 90% of employees say they’re less likely to quit if they have meaningful development opportunities1. But it’s not just about keeping people around. Companies that invest in formal training programs see a 218% higher revenue per employee, which shows that putting time and effort into your team really does pay off (Robinson, 2019)2.
Operator qualification programs and skill-building workshops don’t just teach new skills. They send a clear message to employees that their development matters—that they’re valued. And it goes even deeper: a well-trained team isn’t just more confident and capable; they’re also safer, more efficient, and better prepared to solve the problems that come their way. It’s the kind of investment that strengthens your team and sets you up for success in the long run.
Growth and Evolution: Preparing for 2025
Looking ahead, it’s clear that building resilience into the workforce is becoming a top priority for many organizations. Training programs are evolving to keep up, offering more flexible options like hybrid formats, bite-sized modular content, and personalized approaches that cater to different learning needs.
One trend that’s really picking up steam is the use of competency frameworks in long-term workforce planning. These programs do more than just teach skills—they help teams identify where the gaps are, assess strengths, and build a solid foundation for the future. Whether it’s through a trusted training provider or an in-house solution, these frameworks are becoming essential for staying ahead in a world where technology and demands change fast.
On-demand digital solutions are also becoming a bigger part of the picture as companies focus on staying agile. Having access to expert support right when it’s needed can make all the difference—especially in industries where even a short delay or downtime can lead to big consequences.
These tools are proving to be a game-changer, offering teams the expertise they need without waiting for formal training or outside consultants. It’s all about giving people the resources to succeed when it matters most.
Conclusion: The Case for Continuous Learning
As we head into 2025, the importance of ongoing learning has never been clearer. Whether it’s private training tailored to specific challenges, public training where foundational skills are taught alongside connected peers, operator qualification programs that standardize skills, or on-demand resources, the right training mix can future-proof your workforce and deliver tangible results.
For leaders, now is the time to evaluate your current strategies. Are your teams equipped with the skills they need for success? Do they have access to the resources that allow them to make informed decisions when it counts? The lessons of 2024 have shown that the right training, delivered in the right way, can be transformative. Let’s take what we’ve learned this year and build on it to make 2025 a year of even greater growth and success.
Ready to take action? Becht offers a comprehensive suite of training programs tailored to the process and energy industries, designed to enhance your team’s skills and competencies. Explore our training catalog or contact us directly.
References
1LinkedIn Learning. (2021). 2021 Workplace Learning Report: Skill Building in the New World of Work. LinkedIn Corporation. Retrieved from https://learning.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/business/en-us/amp/learning-solutions/images/wlr21/pdf/LinkedIn-Learning_Workplace-Learning-Report-2021-EN-1.pdf
2Robinson, R. (2019, May 3). How leaders can create a workplace that makes time for deep learning. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanrobinson/2019/05/03/leaders-workplace-create-time-deep-learning/?sh=3a3c73c4b462
