Training Leads to Promotion, Employee Retention

republished from: http://mcpmag.com/news/print.asp?EditorialsID=663

NEWS Study: Training Leads to Promotion, Employee Retention

There's a bright future ahead for those taking training courses.
by Kristen Kazarian
March 1, 2004

Investing in training could be a good step toward a promotion, according to a survey by The Training Camp.

The November 2003 survey showed that of the more than 500 IT employees polled (including contract workers), 87 percent were promoted after taking a training course or certification program.

In addition, 82 percent of survey takers returned to their current job after participating in a training course or certification program. Over half of those polled were lucky enough to have company-sponsored training.

"Managers in the past have been reluctant to foot the bill for certification and career development in the IT realm, for fear that employees will take those skills elsewhere or demand high wages when they return," said Ed Denzler, CEO of The Training Camp.

Most respondents had taken the MCSE (mixed and single) and the CCNA (+ CCDA mix), and the most in-demand skill at their companies is Windows Server administration followed closely by security. The Training Camp has seen an increase in demand, as well, for Cisco and Linux.

"Ultimately, the employees are paying for their training by bringing the skills back to their companies and providing a solid ROI," said Denzler.

The most valued benefits organizations can offer are training, health insurance and flexible work schedules, according to the survey. Most IT professionals don't mind, however, doing without a company-paid gym membership, travel insurance or a mobile phone.