As we’ve written about previously, the U.S. government faces a critical shortage of IT workers. And without employees trained in the newest digital skills, the government will not function as well as it otherwise might—in addition to being vulnerable both to aging technology and cyber attacks.
In particular, the government is in need of employees experienced in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Big Data, blockchain technology and cloud computing. The government has two possible paths for closing this skills gap: hiring new employees or reskilling and upskilling existing ones. The latter makes the most sense financially, due to the costs of recruiting and training new employees, and a recent increase in the micro-purchase limit can make it easier to do.
Reskilling and Upskilling the Federal Workforce
While the current administration is tackling performance issues and looking for ways to improve performance by identifying policies and procedures for dealing with poor performance while also rewarding high-performing employees, it is also focused on reskilling and upskilling, particularly in IT. The push includes emerging technologies such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Big Data
- Cybersecurity
- Blockchain technology
- Cloud Computing
- Devops
Fortunately, a recent massive increase in the micro-purchase limit will make it easier for managers to enable employees to pursue upskilling so they can gain knowledge in these five areas.
Buying Upskilling Solutions Under the New Micro-purchase Threshold
Managers are being tasked with determining how to improve performance as well as how to reskill and upskill employees. At the same time, proactive employees might be seeking ways to increase their skill sets on their own time. Simplilearn can help because the company offers top-notch training that typically costs under the micro-purchase limit and is paid for using GSA SmartPay or any other Government Charge Cards.
Simplilearn Training Solutions
Simplilearn offers over 400 courses, with training available in the digital domains that are quickly emerging as necessary technologies for businesses and the government both. Courses are available as online learning on an anytime, anywhere basis or as live virtual or onsite classes. All courses are designed with the help of industry experts and advisors, to ensure content is up-to-date. Simplilearn emphasizes hands-on projects to maximize learning. In many cases, the lessons learned can be applied at work the next day.
Because Simplilearn is a General Services Administration (GSA) IT 70 Schedule Contractor, managers can turn to Simplilearn to purchase the digital training their employees need at a significant discount. The training available includes hundreds of courses in the digital disciplines the federal government needs most, including AI, Machine Learning, Big Data, Cybersecurity, Blockchain technology course and Cloud Computing. Simplilearn training details are also published on GSA Advantage.
In addition, getting the training is flexible, with several options:
- Individual employees or teams of fewer than 25 people can buy Simplilearn online training directly through GSA IT 70 Schedule. Online training is available anytime, anywhere and available for a period of 6 months.
- Teams in the range of 10-25 people can buy virtual private classroom or live onsite training using GSA SmartPay Cards. Most of the training will fall under micro-purchase limits. Any that go over that limit can be re-assessed when the contracting officers contact Simplilearn directly to request assistance.
To purchase the training courses or to speak with the Government Program Manager at Simplilearn, visit the Simplilearn Government Training Solutions page.
