This infographic presents a comprehensive overview of trends, outcomes, and priorities in consulting skills training and workforce development, with a strong focus on the UK market and future-ready capabilities.
Overall UK spending on training reached £53.62 billion in 2022, equivalent to £1,800 per person per year, highlighting the significant investment organizations are making in workforce development. On average, employees received 8.4 training days annually, reflecting a steady commitment to continuous learning.
The data emphasises a growing focus on reskilling and automation, which are expected to dominate organisational strategies over the next five years. Most learning still occurs on the job (81%) and through coaching (80%), while traditional methods like classroom training are declining (46%). Interestingly, 60% of learners still prefer in-person training, suggesting a hybrid future for learning delivery.
Soft skills are increasingly prioritized, with 20 out of 25 countries identifying them as critical for resilience and communication. Key future skill priorities include analytical thinking, creative thinking, AI and big data, leadership, and curiosity-driven learning. At the same time, core skills are expected to change by 44% in the next five years, underlining the urgency for adaptability.
The infographic also highlights strong returns on investment, with many businesses expecting ROI within months of training implementation. Employee retention is notably impacted, with a reported 154% retention rate among those engaged in structured learning programs.
From a career perspective, top-paying consulting roles include partners, consultants, and executive roles such as facilities managers and tax directors, indicating lucrative opportunities in the field.
Finally, the infographic underscores measurable improvements from training programs, including participant performance gains and industry recognition, such as CMgr awards and professional accreditations. Overall, it paints a clear picture of a rapidly evolving skills landscape driven by technology, continuous learning, and the increasing importance of human-centric capabilities.
