Are IT Skills Training Courses Worth It?

In today's digital-first economy, the question is not whether IT skills are valuable, but whether individuals and organisations can afford the staggering cost of ignoring them. The global IT skills gap has widened into a chasm, creating both a significant economic threat for businesses and an unprecedented opportunity for skilled professionals.

In this article, we will explore the various IT skills training courses available and discuss their advantages, disadvantages and relevance in general. We will provide you with tips about how to kick-start your tech journey, top IT certifications to look out for and go over methods and resources to help you along the way.

Kick-Start Your Tech Journey with Free Courses & Resources

The barrier to entry for a career in technology has never been lower, thanks to a wealth of high-quality, free educational resources offered by the world's leading academic institutions and tech corporations.

To name just a few of the top IT skills training courses available for free:

• CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python – Harvard University
• Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python – MIT
• Python Class – Google
• Minecraft‑based Python Fundamentals course – Microsoft
• Python for Data Science, AI & Development – IBM
• Cybersecurity for Everyone – University of Maryland (Coursera)

While these courses provide immense learning value, their credentials often lack the weight of paid, proctored certifications in the eyes of hiring managers. Community discussions among IT professionals reveal a general consensus that free certificates are often viewed as "participation trophies.

How Developing Your IT Skills Helps Advance Your Career

The key takeaway here is that continuous IT skill development translates to better job opportunities, promotions, and higher salaries.

Let’s look at the data:

• Pearson VUE’s 2025 survey found 63% of tech professionals received a promotion (or anticipated one) after earning an IT certification, and 32% saw a salary bump – often over 20%.
• Additionally, 32% said they earned a salary increase after certification, 56% within three months, and 83% within six months.
• 97% of IT decision-makers say certified employees add significant value (e.g. ~50% more productivity) to their organisation.

Real-world success stories also confirm these benefits. “It was a great move… I’ve now got a fresh perspective on my career, a new role with new skills, and a new pathway,” says one IT professional about investing in IT skills training courses.

Top IT Certifications & Training Solutions (Including Cyber security)

So, how do you pick and choose from all the IT skills training courses available out there?

An analysis of the IT landscape in 2025 reveals a clear trend: the most lucrative and in-demand certifications are concentrated in the high-stakes domains of cloud computing and cyber security. These fields command top salaries because they are directly tied to managing an organisation's most critical assets: its data, infrastructure, and reputation.

The following table outlines the certifications delivering the highest return on investment for IT professionals.

However, this does not necessarily mean you have to start from the top. A more sustainable approach would be to gradually expand your expertise and see what suits you best.

As one expert notes, these advanced certifications are not for newcomers; cyber security is a specialisation built upon fundamental IT skills, underscoring the importance of a structured learning journey.

If you are looking for a place the start, make sure to check out Future Savvy’s instructor-led training courses on SQL.

Training for Every IT Role: From Developers to Administrators

The sheer number of IT skills training courses can feel daunting. As we discussed, a smarter tactic is to follow an organised learning roadmap that targets a high‑demand career path, guiding you from essential fundamentals to advanced, specialised skills.

Here are some examples:

The Network Administrator/Engineer Path

This option is for professionals who build and maintain the digital backbone of an organisation. The journey typically begins with a vendor-neutral certification like CompTIA Network+ to establish a broad understanding of networking concepts. The next step is often the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) to specialise in areas like enterprise infrastructure or security.

The Cloud Professional Path (AWS vs. Azure vs. GCP)

Cloud computing skills are among the most sought-after in the industry. The choice of which platform to specialise in often depends on an individual's career goals and target employers. The following options are available:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS): as the market leader, its certifications are globally recognised and in high demand, particularly in startups and cloud-native companies.
• Microsoft Azure: Azure holds a significant advantage in large enterprises, finance, and government sectors, especially those already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
• Google Cloud Platform (GCP): While having a smaller market share, GCP is a powerhouse in specialised in data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

The Data Analyst Path

This path is for professionals who turn raw data into actionable business insights. The journey begins with mastering foundational skills like statistical analysis, programming languages (Python and R), querying with SQL, and using data visualisation tools like Tableau and Microsoft Power BI.

The Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate is a good starting IT skills training course because it provides hands-on experience with the entire data lifecycle, from cleaning and organising data to analysing it with R and creating compelling visualisations.

The Software Developer Path

Likewise, modern software development requires a blend of coding proficiency, cloud knowledge, and an understanding of development operations (DevOps). Essential skills include mastery of languages like Java and Python, database management, and familiarity with cloud platforms.

Key certifications here include the AWS Certified Developer – Associate and the Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate.

Flexible Training Methods and Post-Class Resources for Ongoing Support

According to IBM, well-designed IT skills training courses coupled with follow-up boost workplace productivity by 37%. To achieve the best results, look out for the following mix of methods/resources.

• Multiple learning formats – you can choose online self‑paced courses, live virtual classes, in‑person boot camps, or blended programmes, enabling study that fits any schedule; roughly 70% of learners now prefer online options.
• Self‑paced vs. structured learning – On‑demand e‑learning offers maximum flexibility, whereas timetabled courses and boot camps provide discipline and real‑time interaction; many providers mix both to match diverse study habits.
• Post‑class support and resources – Leading courses extend learning with recorded sessions, sandbox labs, expert Q&A, and refresher webinars, helping students apply new skills on the job.
• Ongoing learning communities – Alumni networks, Slack groups, and local meet‑ups sustain motivation, encourage knowledge sharing, and combat the forgetting curve long after formal lessons end.

Choose the Right Learning Partner for IT Success

If you have already chosen your IT skills training courses and have decided on the exact methods and resources, now you must pick a trusted partner to aid you throughout your learning journey. The right partner does more than just deliver content; they provide a comprehensive learning experience that is credible, relevant, and supportive.

Here are six useful criteria for selecting a training partner:

Accreditation and Reputation

To begin with,ensure the provider is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or is otherwise accredited by relevant industry bodies. This guarantees a baseline level of quality, credibility, and that the qualifications offered will be recognised by employers.

Instructor Quality

The best instructors possess more than just subject matter expertise; they have significant, real-world industry experience. This allows them to provide practical insights and context that bring theoretical concepts to life.

Curriculum and Content

A strong IT skills training course provider offers a comprehensive and up-to-date course catalogue that reflects the latest industry trends and technologies. The curriculum should be directly relevant to your career goals or the organisation's business objectives.

Learning Methodology

Look for providers that employ engaging and innovative learning approaches. This includes a heavy emphasis on hands-on labs, real-world case studies, collaborative exercises, and tangible resources like checklists and models that participants can use on the job.

Customisation and Flexibility

For organisations, the ability to tailor training content is a key differentiator. A true partner will work to understand specific business objectives and design a program that aligns with them, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.

Post-Training Support and ROI Measurement

The learning journey does not end with the final class. Inquire about the post-training support mechanisms available, such as access to materials, forums, or instructor follow-up. Furthermore, a strategic partner should be able to help you measure the impact of the training and demonstrate a return on investment (ROI).

Read our latest case study to find out more about how Future Savvy helps its clients achieve their goals in a quick and cost-efficient way.

Empower Your Team: Transformative IT Training for Organisations

It should be clear by now that investing in IT skills training courses for employees leads to improved productivity, innovation, and the ability to adopt new technologies.

• McKinsey notes that in ~75% of cases, it’s financially worthwhile to reskill an employee rather than hire a new one for a role.
• Research also shows that companies with comprehensive training programs have been shown to have 218% higher income per employee than those that don’t, and 24% higher profit margins on average.

Essentially, a well-executed IT skills training course is a proven profit centre, delivering a measurable return on investment (ROI) by enhancing productivity, reducing operational costs, and increasing employee retention.

This standard formula is a clear measure of a program's value:

To use this formula effectively, organisations must meticulously track both the total costs and the quantifiable benefits. Overall, for business leaders, investing in employee IT training is no longer a discretionary expense but a strategic imperative for growth, innovation, and risk management.

Case Studies & Success Stories

Finally, let's consider some real-life examples that highlight the strong ROI of IT skills training courses.

Cyber security training

The average ransomware payment in 2023 was $1.54 million, and a 2023 IBM report found that organisations with strong security awareness training reduced the cost of a data breach by an average of $1.5 million.

One UK financial services firm implemented a training program and, after one year, saw its employees' phishing click rates plummet from 25% to just 4%, while its incident response costs were reduced by 40%.

Management & Technical Training

A FinTech company that invested in a manager development program saw a 17% increase in manager performance and an 18% increase in their teams' performance, resulting in a 250% ROI. Crucially, the study found that providing post-training practice labs and reinforcement boosted the ROI to an even more impressive 312%, demonstrating the value of ongoing support.

IT skills training courses are a proven way to advance your career as a professional or take your business to the next level as a business owner. In this article, we have looked at some of the key IT qualifications, discussed training methods and resources, as well as analysed the ROI of training for business.

Future Savvy specialises in offering instructor-led training courses on Excel, Power BI and SQL. These are a great place to start, whether you are an individual looking to expand your expertise or a business aiming to upskill its workforce. Contact us today to learn more.