Case Study
How UST's Step IT Up program revolutionized entry-level tech talent development
OUR CLIENT
Our client, a global leader in professional services, partners with organizations worldwide to navigate complex risks and seize growth opportunities. With a rich history spanning decades, the firm's expertise spans insurance brokerage, risk management, reinsurance services, talent management, investment advisory, and management consulting.
THE CHALLENGE
Confronting strategic workforce development needs
The firm faced a dual challenge: transitioning from a contractor-heavy model to developing a sustainable, full-time, entry-level workforce while addressing critical technical skill gaps.
The multifaceted challenges included:
- Lack of entry-level talent pipeline: The firm had never hired entry-level talent, which created a gap in fostering fresh perspectives and long-term talent development. The need for this talent pipeline was essential due to changes in the technology job market and a shortage of skilled workers.
- Over-reliance on external contractors: While providing flexibility, this model hindered the development of institutional knowledge and long-term innovation. The company needed help creating a sustainable, in-house workforce capable of driving innovation.
- Technical skills deficit: The absence of a structured entry-level training program left a significant gap in critical areas, such as software development, cloud technologies, and cybersecurity training. The company needed to bring in entry-level talent capable of learning and applying new technologies.
- Rapidly evolving tech landscape: The need for agile adaptation to new tech trends required a workforce capable of continuous learning and development.
- Diversity and inclusion goals: The tech industry's growing emphasis on diverse talent recruitment called for a more inclusive approach to workforce development.
THE TRANSFORMATION
Empowering a new generation of tech innovators
UST's bespoke training project, the Step IT Up program, catalyzed a profound transformation in the client's workforce strategy and technical capabilities. With a remarkable 93.75% completion rate (15 out of 16 candidates graduating), the program delivered impactful results, equipping three key divisions of the firm with skilled professionals.
Key outcomes of the transformation included:
- Comprehensive skill acquisition: Graduates mastered various technologies, including front-end development, Python programming, and AWS cloud platforms. This broad skill set enabled them to rapidly integrate into multiple teams, filling critical gaps and leading efforts on key projects.
- Enhanced project execution capabilities: The newly trained professionals contributed to major initiatives, such as migrating web platforms to a unified communications framework. Their ability to handle complex, business-critical tasks shortly after training showcased the program's effectiveness in bridging the technical skills gap.
- Operational agility through tech-driven solutions: Leveraging their new skills in software development and cloud technologies, participants developed and implemented streamlined project management procedures. This significantly reduced cycle times and increased overall efficiency, allowing the firm to tackle more projects with greater precision.
- Improved global collaboration: The program enabled the development of innovative technological solutions that enhanced system integrations and data management across international operations. These improvements, driven by the graduates' expertise in areas like cybersecurity and data management, fostered better global teamwork.
- Cultural shift towards continuous innovation: The program's success also led to a cultural transformation within the company, fostering an environment of continuous learning and development. This shift extended beyond the immediate participants, inspring the entrie workforce to puruse further growth opportunities.
This transformation addressed the immediate talent needs and positioned the firm at the forefront of technological innovation in its industry. The Step IT Up program catalyzed sustainable workforce development, equipping the company with the in-house talent to drive future growth and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly tech-driven landscape.
THE IMPACT
Driving operational efficiency and innovation
The results of the UST Step IT Up program were transformative for the company. Benefits included:
- Successful migration of web platforms: Graduates played a key role in migrating the company's web platforms to a unified communications framework, significantly enhancing efficiency and compliance with the company's code of conduct and policy sites.
- Optimization of operational processes: Participants in the program developed and implemented streamlined project management procedures, reducing project delivery cycle times and increasing overall project efficiency. These improvements resulted in measurable time savings and cost reductions across various departments.
- Enhancement of technical capabilities: The newly trained IT professionals enabled the company to develop interfaces and applications that improved system integrations and data management across international operations, supporting global collaboration and enhancing project outcomes.
- Cultural transformation: The program also fostered a culture of continuous learning and professional growth, inspiring existing staff to pursue further development opportunities. This cultural shift contributed to a more dynamic and innovative organizational atmosphere. One notable impact was a project that saved the company $100,000 annually, highlighting the program's tangible benefits.
Learn more about UST Step IT Up and how it fosters workforce development.
RESOURCES
https://www.ust.com/en/step-it-up#benefits