What does it take to forge a workforce that can not only tackle today's challenges but also lead the charge into the future? For Ness Digital Engineering, one of the important aspects is the collaboration with Skillsoft, transcending traditional training methods. Together, they are revolutionising tech talent development, and cultivating a culture where continuous learning is integral to the company ethos.

As part of The Skill Shift series—a collection of transformative learning stories curated by Skillsoft and People Matters— we explore Ness Digital Engineering’s journey with Skillsoft on how a well-crafted collaboration can drive business success, bridge skills gaps, and build a resilient, future-ready workforce.

Strategic Vision: A New Era of Learning

In a world where change is the only constant, companies must think differently about how they develop their people. Ness, a leader in technology services, recognised early on that the shift to hybrid work wasn’t just a temporary adjustment, it was a new way of operating. Embracing this change meant reimagining their learning and development strategy to ensure it met the needs of a modern, dispersed workforce.

“Today, we are in a hybrid model where employees work from home most days and come to the office for few days. This shift has changed not only the way we work but also how we learn,” shared Shivadarshan Deshamudre, Global Head of Learning and Development, at Ness Digital Engineering.

In this context, partnering with Skillsoft helped. The goal was clear: to empower employees with the tools and flexibility they need to learn continuously, at their own pace, and in a way that aligns with both personal and organisational goals.

Building Tech Talent Through Key Initiatives

To bring this vision to life, Ness Digital Engineering and Skillsoft launched three cornerstone initiatives, each designed to address a critical area of talent development.

Graduate Engineering Programme: Laying a Strong Foundation

For new graduates entering the workforce, the transition from academic learning to practical, on-the-job skills can be daunting. The company recognised this challenge and crafted a comprehensive Graduate Engineering Programme to bridge this gap. Using Skillsoft’s vast library of resources, the programme equips graduates with essential cloud skills and soft skills like communication and problem-solving along with instructor-led training.

“Helping our graduates continuously learn after their initial induction module is where we’ve used Skillsoft extensively,” Shivadarshan explained. “Over 60% of our graduates have completed cloud certifications, laying a solid foundation for their careers.”

By focusing on in-demand skills such as cloud computing, the programme not only sets graduates up for success but also ensures that the organisation is building a robust talent pipeline from the ground up.

Cloud Capability Development: Meeting the Demands of a Digital Economy

With cloud technologies becoming the backbone of modern business operations, building cloud expertise was a key priority. The Cloud Capability Development initiative was introduced to upskill developers and maintain the company’s partnership status with AWS and Microsoft.

“Cloud capability development is a critical initiative for us, ensuring our developers gain adjacent skills vital for business needs,” Shivadarshan noted. “This helps us stay competitive and ensures that our employees are equipped with the latest skills required to excel in a rapidly changing environment.”

The initiative focused on practical, hands-on learning, integrating Skillsoft’s certification preparation courses and labs. This approach allowed employees to gain real-world experience, boosting their confidence and capability.

Ness Next Initiative: Upskilling Tenured Associates for Internal Mobility

Talent development doesn’t stop after the initial onboarding phase. For employees who have been with the company for several years, the Ness Next initiative offers a clear path for growth and internal mobility. The programme provides customised learning paths based on current skills, helping employees build adjacent skills or improve proficiencies and remain rotation-ready.

“By customising learning paths based on current skills, we enable our employees to build new or adjacent skills and remain ready for new roles,” shared Shivadarshan. “This focus on internal talent mobility has been one of the success factors, increasing our internal demand fulfilment.”

The success of Ness Next lies in its personalised approach, where employees feel supported in their career progression and are motivated to continuously upskill.

Engaging Learners with Personalised Learning Experiences

Creating a culture of learning requires more than just access to content—it demands a tailored, engaging approach that resonates with employees at every level. Ness Digital Engineering’s L&D team worked closely with Skillsoft to design bespoke learning journeys, leveraging the platform’s diverse content library, interactive benchmarks, and Aspire Journeys.

“The Skillsoft team has been proactive, helping us tailor learning paths for specific skills we aimed to develop,” Shivadarshan remarked. “Their support has been invaluable in creating a seamless learning experience that aligns with our business objectives.”

This collaborative effort didn’t stop at technical skills. Recognising the importance of soft skills, the integrated courses focused on communication, leadership, and customer interaction. This holistic approach ensures that employees are not only technically proficient but also well-rounded professionals capable of handling diverse challenges.

Measuring Success: Metrics That Matter

Impactful learning initiatives require clear metrics to gauge success. Hence, a blend of qualitative and quantitative measures were used to evaluate the effectiveness of its programmes:

• Certification Success: More than 60% of employees who undertook training achieved external certifications, strengthening Ness’s partnership status with AWS and Microsoft.
• Application of Learning: Feedback from employees indicated that over 80% were able to apply their new skills directly to their roles.
• Graduate Programme Efficiency: Within just six months, over 70% of new hires were allocated to the projects, showcasing the effectiveness of the Graduate Engineering Programme.

“Learning is not just about gaining knowledge; it’s about applying it effectively at work,” emphasised Shivadarshan. “These metrics show that our initiatives are not only well-received but are making a tangible impact on our business.”

The Business Impact: Creating a Future-Ready Workforce

The partnership has already delivered impressive results, with a noticeable boost in employee engagement, skill development, and internal mobility. By prioritising a continuous learning culture, Ness Digital Engineering has positioned itself as a leader in building a future-ready workforce.

“Building talent internally has become a reliable strategy, and continuous learning is the way. Skillsoft has been an integral part of this endeavour,” said Shivadarshan. “This approach has helped us not only fill current skills gaps but also prepare our employees for the challenges of tomorrow.”

A Partnership for Long-Term Success

In a world where the only certainty is change, Ness Digital Engineering’s strategic collaboration with Skillsoft is a testament to the power of a well-aligned learning strategy. By investing in its people and prioritising continuous development, they are not just keeping up with the digital revolution—they are leading it.

Check out the ‘The Skill Shift’ series to learn more about transformative learning strategies helping companies bridge the skills gap and drive business impact.

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