In an ever-changing digital landscape, the gap between traditional education and the rapidly evolving needs of the digital era is widening.
Nalakumar “Nala” RS, Vice President of TELUS International Digital Solutions, a global leader in digital transformation and customer experience innovation, shared his insights on how businesses are using mentoring and training programs to prepare the next generation for the digital age.
Education and Skills Gap
“Traditional education systems provide a solid foundation, but they often struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements,” Nala said.
“Business mentoring and training programs offer an opportunity to supplement the existing curriculum by providing practical industry insights, hands-on experience, and specialized skill development,” he added.
Nala cited as an example TELUS’ “Code Your Career” internship program.
This 12-week course is designed to provide students with comprehensive training in various tech disciplines. This program integrates mentorship opportunities with tech professionals, job readiness training, and innovative projects.
Partnerships with universities ensure that junior and senior college students pursuing degrees in tech-related fields have access to this valuable opportunity, helping bridge the talent gap.
Innovation in Mentoring and Training Initiatives
Innovative mentoring and training initiatives play a pivotal role in addressing the skills gap.
Nala highlighted how connecting experienced professionals with aspiring talents fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and mentorship.
“Through these initiatives, emerging professionals gain exposure to real-world scenarios, industry best practices, and the latest technological trends, enabling them to become valuable assets for clients with evolving digital needs,” he said.
As case in point, he shared how team members’ personal growth and education are supported through TELUS International University (TIU), which offers access to continued learning programs and courses.
These programs are not limited to employees alone but extend to their families and friends, reinforcing the company’s commitment to learning and development.
Overcoming Challenges in Curriculum Integration
Nala acknowledged the challenges businesses face in integrating mentoring and training programs into existing school curricula.
“One of the main challenges is aligning the curriculum with the dynamic nature of the industry,” he said.
“To address this, businesses must actively collaborate with educational institutions to identify the skills in high demand.”
He said at TELUS International Digital Solutions, the company leverages technology-enabled platforms and virtual learning environments to overcome geographical limitations. Establishing a feedback loop is crucial to continuously update the curriculum, ensuring it remains relevant and meets the emerging needs of the industry.
Leveraging Emerging Technologies for Scalability
Incorporating emerging technologies is at the forefront of effective mentoring and training.
“Emerging technologies offer exciting opportunities to enhance mentoring and training initiatives,” Nala said.
“Artificial intelligence can personalize learning experiences and provide real-time feedback. Machine learning can analyze large datasets to identify skill gaps and recommend targeted training modules. Blockchain technology can enable secure credentialing and certification processes, ensuring transparency and authenticity.”
By embracing these technologies, organizations can make their mentoring and training programs more effective, efficient, and scalable, thus keeping up with the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Critical Skills for Sustainable Growth
Nala emphasized the critical skills and competencies that mentoring and training programs should prioritize to empower future professionals and drive sustainable growth for businesses.
“In the digital era, a combination of technical and soft skills is essential,” he said.
“Technical skills such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing are in high demand. Equally important are soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication. Business mentoring and training programs should focus on developing a well-rounded skill set that enables professionals to navigate complex challenges, foster innovation, and build strong relationships with clients,” he added.