What are the critical skills needed today? xUnlocked expands its reach in the learning that matters most
Today’s businesses face a critical skills gap, which has increased and worsened over time. xUnlocked exists to close this gap across sustainability, finance, and now data and AI.
Its recent launch of Data Unlocked joins its already established learning platforms Sustainability Unlocked and Finance Unlocked, specifically targeting and breaking down the complex skills most needed to keep pace with changing times.
- 92% of firms think their productivity and profitability are being impacted by skills shortages Financial Services Skills Commission, 2022
- Only 3% of businesses possess the skills needed to capture the sustainability opportunity, Economist Impact, 2024
- 70% of professionals lack proficiency in data analytics and machine learning, Financial Services Skills Commission, 2024
xUnlocked excels in precision learning, with learning solutions dedicated to the skills that drive informed decision making, operational agility, innovation, and business impact. On-demand learning videos and pathways, featuring world-leading expert practitioners, break down and demystify complex topics, making learning trusted, credible, and shaped to business needs.
In this area of complex, critical skills, the partnership approach is vital for success. That is why XUnlocked works alongside clients, taking a tailored approach that personalises the learning experience across individuals and teams. The following shares just a few insights into xUnlocked’s approach to working with clients across successful learning programmes.
Developing deep layers of communication is key
According to the World Economic Forum, jobs are growing at the fastest rate in two areas: AI and machine learning, and sustainability. Yet the skills gap in both of these areas is vast. This isn’t simply about upskilling more coding engineers and climate scientists, it’s about addressing the much wider communication and knowledge problem, enabling the understanding and interpretation of complex information, applied across roles and domains. Developing these skills at scale is highly challenging, not least because businesses lack existing experience in these areas.This is where xUnlocked steps in, partnering with organisations to implement learning programmes that deliver business impact.
Tips for success
Empowering an executive sponsor: Crucial for creating credibility, demonstrating alignment with wider goals, and increasing visibility in areas where pre-existing knowledge is scarce. The ideal executive sponsor is the CEO who can convey a clear sense of why learning programmes in these areas are so important, and how they connect to business strategy.
Communicating strategic intent: It is vital to ensure everyone across the business understands, and is fully engaged, with the reasons for training — messaging why it is important to individuals, the business and the wider, global community. The ‘why’ should underpin all messaging to learners.
A messaging roadmap: These entirely new skills areas can be a source of fear for many. A framework for structured messaging and outreach to learners, which starts before launching the programme and continues throughout the learning journey, will help allay anxieties, reduce resistance, and address any issues before they become roadblocks.
Tailored learning: It’s easy to get lost in the noise, especially in the accelerating world of AI. Deciding which learning content is required across different individuals/teams and departments, which considers both depth and breadth of content, is essential to avoid overwhelming people with complex content too soon.
Supportive culture: Success in learning across complex topics requires building a culture of continuous learning. A sustainability committee or AI hacking group, or a few key learning champions, can play an important role in nurturing a safe environment, in which people feel inspired to learn and embrace change.
Start fast: In the same way the worlds of sustainability and AI move fast, launching a learning programme should focus on establishing strong initial engagement, gaining momentum and then building repeatable habits. Learning initiated with an immediate call to action, backed up with quick attainable milestones, and frequent engagement to promote consistent interaction, will be more likely to enjoy lasting success.
Measure and manage: Proof of impact in complex, critical skills is vital. xUnlocked uses a trusted framework to evaluate the effectiveness of training programmes, ensuring learning can be tracked and aligned to business outcomes.
Skills today for the world of tomorrow
xUnlocked works with many different organisations across sectors to deliver the end-to-end learning solutions that solve the challenge of today’s critical skills gap. To find out more, visit the team at Stand J30, see the Finance, Sustainability, and Data learning platforms in action, and discover the ways in which xUnlocked is shaping the workforce of the future.
xUnlocked is the focused, trusted, AI-enhanced learning platform for high-stakes industries, helping organisations develop critical skills and capabilities enterprise-wide through on-demand, expert-led video.
Focused on Sustainability, Data & AI and Finance, xUnlocked specialises in the complex topics shaping the future of the workforce.
We combine expert-led guidance with science-backed learning techniques to drive engagement, retention, and measurable business impact. Our platform includes interactive content, case-study-driven learning, and gamification to ensure professionals stay ahead in fast-changing, highly regulated environments. With LMS/LXP integrations, company-wide analytics, and CPD-accredited content, businesses can track progress and optimise training effectiveness.
Trusted by organisations that demand high-impact, real-world learning, xUnlocked helps teams upskill, stay compliant, and drive continuous innovation.
xUnlocked is taking part in the upcoming Learning Technologies Exhibition and Conference, London, 23-24 April.
Kieron Gradwell
e-mail kieron@xunlocked.com
Web xunlocked.com
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