The latest L&D news, reports, research and updates, personally compiled by TJ’s Editor, Jo Cook
Revolution L&D Conference unites the learning and development community with Training Journal as official media partner
The Revolution L&D Conference is set to bring the L&D and HR community together, offering an unparalleled platform for industry professionals to collaborate, exchange ideas, and inspire growth. This year’s conference is further enhanced by an exciting new media partnership with Training Journal, which will amplify its visibility and impact across the learning and development sector.
Read more and book a discounted ticket.
Addressing the AI Transition in Skills and Jobs: A Strategic Report for the Future of Education and Training
As the global adoption of AI is poised to revolutionise industries worldwide, a new report titled “Educational Pathways for the AI Transition in Skills and Jobs” reveals critical insights into the importance of education and training in preparing the workforce for the AI transition.
Published by TEHA Group and commissioned by IBM, the report highlights that despite the growing use of AI solutions, a significant skills shortage remains a major barrier to effective adoption. To address this gap, the report outlines key recommendations and emphasises the urgent need for educational pathways to equip workers for the AI-driven future.
* Over 450 million workers will need upskilling by 2030
* AI is projected to boost global productivity by up to 1.5% annually
Evaluation Task Force flags new guidance on AI tools – what can L&D apply?
The Evaluation Task Force has published guidance for departments setting out best practice to evaluate the impact of artificial-intelligence tools and technologies. The unit, which is a joint Cabinet Office and Treasury initiative created to help departments make sure that spending decisions are backed by the best evidence, made the document available as an annex to the Treasury’s existing Magenta Book.
The Magenta Book is written for the policy, delivery and analytical professions with the aim of ensuring that good evidence is built into the design and delivery of projects from the earliest stages to maximise understanding of the impacts new developments can have.
Read more from our sister publication Civil Service World.
The evolution of learning – top priorities for L&D leaders in 2025
The future of L&D is moving fast. With AI reshaping work, hybrid models evolving, and business needs shifting, staying ahead is essential. The Video Arts new eBook cuts through the noise with practical insights on the key skills for 2025, how to make a strong case for training, and why time—not just budget—is your most valuable resource. No jargon, no fluff, just the facts (with a touch of British wit). Here’s what you’ll learn:
* AI Proficiency: Streamline workflows and personalize learning with AI.
* Emotional Intelligence: Build empathetic, resilient teams for modern challenges.
* Adaptability & Resilience: Foster a mindset ready for continuous change.
The TalentLMS 2024 Annual L&D Benchmark Report
The report uncovers how four generations of employees view workplace learning and what they expect from it. Explore the impact of L&D shifts over time on workforce satisfaction, skills, and retention. Plus, get 5 key L&D trends for 2025.
Key highlights:
- AI outruns training – Almost half of employees (49%) say AI is advancing faster than their company’s training programs are keeping up
- Leadership training in focus – For the second consecutive year, employees rank leadership training as their top development priority
- Skills in freefall – Over 4 in 10 employees (41%) think that work skills are losing relevance faster due to technological advancements.
The HR Leader’s Guide to 2025 Challenges and Priorities
HR budgets are under greater scrutiny than ever, demanding smarter investments and strategies to deliver value without compromise. And with AI’s rising prominence, HR leaders must adapt, re-skill, and align technology to redefine how HR delivers value. There’s more than ever to juggle, and high-quality analytics and connected systems are paramount for success. But what’s best for you?
Fosway Group’s latest HR Realities report dives into the challenges HR leaders face and the strategies needed to thrive. You’ll gain insights into workforce agility, employee experience, and future-proofing your HR operations in this must-read research, done in partnership with UNLEASH.
Work-life balance has overtaken pay as the top priority for talent
Randstad, the world’s leading talent company, has released the latest edition of its annual Workmonitor study, capturing insights from over 26,000 employees across 35 markets on the newest recruitment and workplace trends.
This year’s findings reveal a significant shift: for the first time in the survey’s history, work-life balance has overtaken pay as the top priority for talent, marking the emergence of a new ‘workplace baseline.’
Other topline findings include:
- Trust between employers, managers and talent remains in contention, with a third (30%) not trusting their managers to have their best interests in mind
- Talent are willing to take action if their demands are not met, as almost half (44%) have quit because of a toxic workplace – a relative increase of 33% compared to last year
- To thrive in 2025, Randstad’s CEO calls on employers to adopt talent strategies that embrace this new workplace baseline, or risk falling behind
Survey Reveals 77% of Organizations Have Been Impacted by the IT Skills Gap
Revature, a technology talent as a service provider, today announced the results of its State of IT Skills Survey, which was conducted to understand the impact of the IT skills gap on organisations, the status of their talent acquisition, training and development programs as well as their challenges and priorities for 2025. Among the report’s key findings, 77% of organizations report being impacted by the IT skills gap, with 56% noting upskilling and reskilling as the No. 1 strategy for closing this gap in 2025.
When asked about specific challenges relating to the IT skills gap, respondents named their top three as:
- Finding qualified talent with the necessary skills (71%)
- IT staffing companies can’t deliver talent quickly (57%)
- Upskilling/reskilling in-house talent (53%)
UK Businesses Face Compliance Leadership Gap
A new industry report on the state of compliance in businesses across the UK has uncovered a leadership gap in meeting regulatory demands, despite increased scrutiny and new regulations coming into force. The Annual Benchmarking Report, from compliance training provider Skillcast, surveyed over 100 compliance, learning and development, and training professionals from a diverse range of organisations.
The findings highlight critical challenges as businesses adapt to new requirements, including the recently introduced Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), which has applied since January 2025. DORA requires financial service providers to comply with regulations aimed at preventing operational disruptions caused by cybersecurity and ICT-related issues.
Where can you meetup with L&D people in the UK and Europe?
Carl Crisostomo has a LinkedIn newsletter helping you to discover, attend and connect to in-person L&D events in the UK and Europe.
Upcoming includes LnD Cowork, Learning Technologies France, and The Power of Immersive Simulations.
