GITNUXREPORT 2025

Upskilling And Reskilling In The Define Industry Statistics

89% of companies invest in upskilling to bridge digital skills and talent gaps.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The global spend on corporate training and development reached $370 billion in 2022

Statistic 2

52% of employees said they would stay at their current job longer if their employer invested in upskilling opportunities

Statistic 3

82% of employees say that skill development opportunities influence their decision to stay with a company

Statistic 4

Less than 20% of employees feel that their current employer offers adequate training pathways for advancement

Statistic 5

83% of employees feel more empowered and engaged when they receive tailored learning experiences, according to recent surveys

Statistic 6

65% of corporate learners prefer self-paced courses over instructor-led training, enabling them to learn at their own convenience

Statistic 7

The adoption of online learning platforms increased by 120% in the past three years

Statistic 8

58% of companies offer some form of automated or AI-powered personalized learning experiences, resulting in higher engagement rates

Statistic 9

By 2024, over 50% of job training programs will be delivered via mobile or tablet devices, increasing accessibility

Statistic 10

94% of North American executives believe that upskilling is essential for their company's future success

Statistic 11

65% of workers globally feel they need more training to meet their current role requirements

Statistic 12

78% of companies report that reskilling initiatives have improved employee retention

Statistic 13

By 2025, it's estimated that 87% of organizations worldwide will be actively reskilling their workforce to meet digital transformation goals

Statistic 14

70% of companies report a skills gap that is impacting their ability to innovate

Statistic 15

44% of new jobs created between 2018 and 2028 will require post-secondary education or training beyond high school

Statistic 16

89% of companies that invest in upskilling see a positive impact on productivity

Statistic 17

The average time spent on reskilling initiatives increased by 18% in 2023 compared to 2022

Statistic 18

56% of organizations have implemented or plan to implement AI-based learning systems for upskilling purposes

Statistic 19

65% of training budgets are allocated to digital skills development, reflecting the importance of technological upskilling

Statistic 20

The demand for data analysis skills has increased by 130% over the last five years

Statistic 21

88% of CEOs worldwide see reskilling as a critical strategy to bridge their digital talent gaps

Statistic 22

60% of workers in emerging markets report participating in formal upskilling programs, compared to 45% in developed countries

Statistic 23

Only 25% of companies say their current training programs are effectively tailored to individual learning needs

Statistic 24

Organizations that utilise microlearning report a 50% faster learning curve for employees

Statistic 25

73% of HR professionals believe that upskilling enhances organizational agility

Statistic 26

The return on investment (ROI) for corporate training is estimated at $4.53 for every dollar spent

Statistic 27

40% of all job roles will require significant reskilling by 2030 due to automation and AI

Statistic 28

69% of job seekers consider upskilling and reskilling as top criteria in choosing an employer

Statistic 29

81% of companies reported that their employees lacked certain digital skills necessary for new digital initiatives

Statistic 30

35% of employees in the manufacturing sector participated in reskilling programs aimed at Industry 4.0 technologies in 2023

Statistic 31

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are 30% less likely to have formal upskilling programs compared to large corporations

Statistic 32

78% of front-line workers feel they need more digital skills training to perform their jobs effectively

Statistic 33

The global AI training market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 40% through 2030, driven largely by upskilling efforts in industries

Statistic 34

60% of organizations have increased investment in reskilling initiatives since 2020, aiming to future-proof their workforce

Statistic 35

80% of executives see upskilling and reskilling as a critical element of their overall digital transformation strategy

Statistic 36

55% of companies report difficulty in finding candidates with updated digital and technical skills

Statistic 37

The average age of reskilling participants is 34 years old, indicating that mid-career professionals are primary beneficiaries

Statistic 38

92% of corporate trainers agree that ongoing training helps maintain a competitive advantage

Statistic 39

68% of organizations reported increased costs associated with reskilling in the past year, but still view it as necessary for growth

Statistic 40

71% of workers believe that employers should provide more comprehensive reskilling programs to stay competitive in the digital age

Statistic 41

The gig economy has led to a 50% increase in self-directed upskilling activities among gig workers over the past three years

Statistic 42

42% of organizations report that outdated skills are a significant obstacle to digital transformation projects

Statistic 43

By 2030, the estimated global spend on upskilling and reskilling will reach $490 billion annually, up from $370 billion in 2022

Statistic 44

80% of organizational leaders believe that reskilling is critical to staying competitive in Industry 4.0

Statistic 45

72% of HR leaders report difficulty in measuring the success of upskilling initiatives

Statistic 46

66% of employees desire skill development programs that are accessible anytime and anywhere, emphasizing the importance of flexible learning solutions

Statistic 47

38% of companies have increased their usage of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for employee training purposes, leading to higher retention rates

Statistic 48

Generational differences influence upskilling preferences, with 58% of Millennials favoring digital learning, compared to 40% of Baby Boomers

Statistic 49

59% of organizations use analytics to identify skills gaps and tailor upskilling efforts accordingly, reflecting data-driven training approaches

Statistic 50

Women represent 36% of the workforce involved in reskilling programs, indicating progress but also highlighting the need for more gender-inclusive initiatives

Statistic 51

48% of companies believe that upskilling can significantly reduce the time to fill vacancies, streamlining hiring processes

Statistic 52

The adoption of blockchain technology in credentialing and skills verification gained 45% in adoption rates in 2023, helping confirm upskilling achievements securely

Statistic 53

38% of organizations have integrated social learning or collaborative platforms into their upskilling programs, enhancing peer-to-peer knowledge transfer

Statistic 54

55% of respondents in a survey indicated that mental health support is increasingly integrated with upskilling programs to promote holistic employee development

Statistic 55

The average cost of reskilling per employee is estimated at $3,000, varying significantly across industries

Statistic 56

91% of organizations say that upskilling and reskilling are vital to their digital transformation and long-term competitiveness

Statistic 57

46% of employees plan to acquire new digital skills within the next 12 months, signaling high demand for relevant upskilling opportunities

Statistic 58

The biggest barriers to reskilling include lack of time (40%), lack of management support (35%), and funding constraints (25%)

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Key Highlights

94% of North American executives believe that upskilling is essential for their company's future success
65% of workers globally feel they need more training to meet their current role requirements
The global spend on corporate training and development reached $370 billion in 2022
78% of companies report that reskilling initiatives have improved employee retention
By 2025, it's estimated that 87% of organizations worldwide will be actively reskilling their workforce to meet digital transformation goals
52% of employees said they would stay at their current job longer if their employer invested in upskilling opportunities
70% of companies report a skills gap that is impacting their ability to innovate
44% of new jobs created between 2018 and 2028 will require post-secondary education or training beyond high school
89% of companies that invest in upskilling see a positive impact on productivity
The average time spent on reskilling initiatives increased by 18% in 2023 compared to 2022
82% of employees say that skill development opportunities influence their decision to stay with a company
56% of organizations have implemented or plan to implement AI-based learning systems for upskilling purposes
65% of training budgets are allocated to digital skills development, reflecting the importance of technological upskilling

With 94% of North American executives recognizing upskilling as vital for future success and global investments in corporate training soaring to $370 billion in 2022, the industry is amid a transformative wave driven by digital innovations and a rapidly evolving skills landscape.

Corporate Training Investment and Budget Allocation

The global spend on corporate training and development reached $370 billion in 2022

Corporate Training Investment and Budget Allocation Interpretation

With a staggering $370 billion invested in corporate training and development in 2022, the define industry’s commitment to upskilling and reskilling signals not just a financial priority, but a strategic pivot towards future-proofing the workforce amidst rapid technological change.

Employee Engagement, Preferences, and Retention

52% of employees said they would stay at their current job longer if their employer invested in upskilling opportunities
82% of employees say that skill development opportunities influence their decision to stay with a company
Less than 20% of employees feel that their current employer offers adequate training pathways for advancement
83% of employees feel more empowered and engaged when they receive tailored learning experiences, according to recent surveys
65% of corporate learners prefer self-paced courses over instructor-led training, enabling them to learn at their own convenience

Employee Engagement, Preferences, and Retention Interpretation

Despite over 80% of employees citing skill development as key to retention, fewer than 20% believe their employers provide sufficient growth pathways, highlighting a critical gap in upskilling efforts that, if addressed, could turn employee engagement and loyalty into a competitive advantage.

Technologies and Digital Transformation in Learning

The adoption of online learning platforms increased by 120% in the past three years
58% of companies offer some form of automated or AI-powered personalized learning experiences, resulting in higher engagement rates
By 2024, over 50% of job training programs will be delivered via mobile or tablet devices, increasing accessibility

Technologies and Digital Transformation in Learning Interpretation

As the digital revolution accelerates, with online learning up 120%, AI-driven personalization engaging more learners, and mobile training poised to dominate, it’s clear that tomorrow’s workforce must master tech not just on the job but in their palms.

Workforce Skills Development and Reskilling Trends

94% of North American executives believe that upskilling is essential for their company's future success
65% of workers globally feel they need more training to meet their current role requirements
78% of companies report that reskilling initiatives have improved employee retention
By 2025, it's estimated that 87% of organizations worldwide will be actively reskilling their workforce to meet digital transformation goals
70% of companies report a skills gap that is impacting their ability to innovate
44% of new jobs created between 2018 and 2028 will require post-secondary education or training beyond high school
89% of companies that invest in upskilling see a positive impact on productivity
The average time spent on reskilling initiatives increased by 18% in 2023 compared to 2022
56% of organizations have implemented or plan to implement AI-based learning systems for upskilling purposes
65% of training budgets are allocated to digital skills development, reflecting the importance of technological upskilling
The demand for data analysis skills has increased by 130% over the last five years
88% of CEOs worldwide see reskilling as a critical strategy to bridge their digital talent gaps
60% of workers in emerging markets report participating in formal upskilling programs, compared to 45% in developed countries
Only 25% of companies say their current training programs are effectively tailored to individual learning needs
Organizations that utilise microlearning report a 50% faster learning curve for employees
73% of HR professionals believe that upskilling enhances organizational agility
The return on investment (ROI) for corporate training is estimated at $4.53 for every dollar spent
40% of all job roles will require significant reskilling by 2030 due to automation and AI
69% of job seekers consider upskilling and reskilling as top criteria in choosing an employer
81% of companies reported that their employees lacked certain digital skills necessary for new digital initiatives
35% of employees in the manufacturing sector participated in reskilling programs aimed at Industry 4.0 technologies in 2023
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are 30% less likely to have formal upskilling programs compared to large corporations
78% of front-line workers feel they need more digital skills training to perform their jobs effectively
The global AI training market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 40% through 2030, driven largely by upskilling efforts in industries
60% of organizations have increased investment in reskilling initiatives since 2020, aiming to future-proof their workforce
80% of executives see upskilling and reskilling as a critical element of their overall digital transformation strategy
55% of companies report difficulty in finding candidates with updated digital and technical skills
The average age of reskilling participants is 34 years old, indicating that mid-career professionals are primary beneficiaries
92% of corporate trainers agree that ongoing training helps maintain a competitive advantage
68% of organizations reported increased costs associated with reskilling in the past year, but still view it as necessary for growth
71% of workers believe that employers should provide more comprehensive reskilling programs to stay competitive in the digital age
The gig economy has led to a 50% increase in self-directed upskilling activities among gig workers over the past three years
42% of organizations report that outdated skills are a significant obstacle to digital transformation projects
By 2030, the estimated global spend on upskilling and reskilling will reach $490 billion annually, up from $370 billion in 2022
80% of organizational leaders believe that reskilling is critical to staying competitive in Industry 4.0
72% of HR leaders report difficulty in measuring the success of upskilling initiatives
66% of employees desire skill development programs that are accessible anytime and anywhere, emphasizing the importance of flexible learning solutions
38% of companies have increased their usage of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for employee training purposes, leading to higher retention rates
Generational differences influence upskilling preferences, with 58% of Millennials favoring digital learning, compared to 40% of Baby Boomers
59% of organizations use analytics to identify skills gaps and tailor upskilling efforts accordingly, reflecting data-driven training approaches
Women represent 36% of the workforce involved in reskilling programs, indicating progress but also highlighting the need for more gender-inclusive initiatives
48% of companies believe that upskilling can significantly reduce the time to fill vacancies, streamlining hiring processes
The adoption of blockchain technology in credentialing and skills verification gained 45% in adoption rates in 2023, helping confirm upskilling achievements securely
38% of organizations have integrated social learning or collaborative platforms into their upskilling programs, enhancing peer-to-peer knowledge transfer
55% of respondents in a survey indicated that mental health support is increasingly integrated with upskilling programs to promote holistic employee development
The average cost of reskilling per employee is estimated at $3,000, varying significantly across industries
91% of organizations say that upskilling and reskilling are vital to their digital transformation and long-term competitiveness
46% of employees plan to acquire new digital skills within the next 12 months, signaling high demand for relevant upskilling opportunities
The biggest barriers to reskilling include lack of time (40%), lack of management support (35%), and funding constraints (25%)

Workforce Skills Development and Reskilling Trends Interpretation

With 94% of North American executives deeming upskilling essential for their company's future, it's clear that in the race toward digital transformation, the real competitive edge isn't just technology—it's our collective commitment to learning and evolving faster than the robots can replace us.