ACE & PD Training to develop NZ IT leaders' soft skills

ACE has announced a strategic partnership with PD Training to enhance the development of soft skills among IT leaders in New Zealand.

The focus of this collaboration is on the critical role soft skills play in driving successful IT and digital transformations, an area where technical skills alone are not sufficient. According to the company, technical certifications remain crucial by validating expertise and ensuring professionals stay up-to-date with technological advances. However, they argue that the most effective IT leaders are those who complement their technical knowledge with soft skills such as leadership, resilience, and conflict resolution.

Insights from a Skillsoft survey involving 2,500 professionals from the United Kingdom, United States, India, and Germany reveal that leadership skills and soft skills are considered crucial for workplace success by 23% of respondents each. Despite their importance, these skills are reportedly lacking across various workplaces.

A survey conducted by the NZ Employers and Manufacturers Association back in 2023 echoes the findings of the Skillsoft research, highlighting that 83% of businesses and job applicants in New Zealand lack communication skills, 73% lack initiative, 66% lack teamwork skills, and 66% lack problem-solving skills. This data points to a significant need for comprehensive development programs that focus on enhancing leadership and soft skills within New Zealand organisations.

On the benefits of soft skills in IT transformations, ACE states that enhanced communication and teamwork are crucial, as IT projects often require cross-functional collaboration. Training in these areas is said to promote more efficient project execution and foster a collaborative environment.

Furthermore, ACE suggests that investment in professional growth contributes to a positive and inclusive IT culture by setting a standard for continuous learning and improvement that extends beyond technical capabilities.

They also note that development opportunities can improve employee engagement by indicating that the organisation values staff growth, potentially leading to greater productivity, innovation, and commitment to IT programme success.

Additionally, ACE argues that equipping employees with skills like resilience and conflict resolution can significantly lower workplace stress by providing tools to better manage challenges, thus creating a healthier working environment.

The company believes that while technical certifications form a crucial aspect of professional development, they are just one part of the overall picture. ACE's new partnership with PD Training aims to offer IT leaders in New Zealand a wider range of training programs designed to boost leadership skills and assist them in navigating workplace challenges effectively.