Vocational training urged to close IT reseller skills gap

Herzing College has published a blog post that argues vocational education offers a practical route for technology resellers seeking skills in fast-moving areas such as AI, cybersecurity and cloud computing.

The post, titled "Skill Builders: The Role of Vocational Education in Tech Advancement", frames a "widening skills gap" in the IT industry as a near-term operational issue for resellers that need staff who can deploy and support modern systems. It says traditional IT education routes often do not move quickly enough for the pace of change in the channel.

Herzing College positions career colleges and vocational institutes as a way for resellers to develop hands-on skills in shorter timeframes. It also sets out several engagement models for resellers, including curriculum collaboration and structured placements such as internships and apprenticeships.

Skills gap

The blog states that emerging technologies require practical skills that "many traditional IT programs cannot deliver quickly enough". It links that gap to slower adoption of new tools and to the need for resellers to hire third-party specialists.

In the post, Herzing College says the results can include delays in the uptake of "new cutting-edge technologies". It also says those delays may affect client satisfaction.

The piece describes vocational training as "targeted skill development". It points to shorter learning cycles than some broader academic pathways. It describes training that focuses on specific job tasks rather than wider theory.

Herzing College also makes the case that resellers should treat skills development as a competitive issue. The blog urges resellers to take a "leading, career-driven mindset".

Reseller focus

The blog aims its recommendations at technology resellers with service and support obligations. It says resellers need technical support skills across teams and partners. It argues that those skills affect deployments and customer service outcomes.

Herzing College describes vocational education as a "strategic advantage" for resellers that train staff in AI and cybersecurity. It says career colleges and vocational institutes offer options that suit practical job preparation.

The post also links skills investment to staffing dynamics. It argues that developing less experienced employees can cost less than hiring fully skilled professionals. It also claims employees "eager to learn" may show stronger loyalty to employers that invest in personal development, and it links that to reduced turnover.

Priority areas

The blog identifies cybersecurity, AI, and IoT and edge computing as areas where vocational education can have a strong impact when aligned with specific technologies.

On cybersecurity, the post says training should cover threat recognition and basic defensive actions. It lists phishing, ransomware attacks and malware as examples. It says staff with those skills can assist clients with deploying security measures and reducing the risk of a data breach.

On AI, the post highlights "prompt engineering, AI tool integration, and automation scripting". It frames these as skills relevant for resellers that support customers adopting AI systems into daily work.

On IoT and edge computing, the post says training prepares technicians to install, configure and maintain connected devices. It also cites managing real-time data processing closer to the source. It links those skills to deployments across smart building solutions, industrial IoT systems and edge-enabled analytics.

The post argues that internal capability building can affect work across the customer lifecycle. It states that these skills can lead to "stronger pre-sales consulting, smoother implementations, and more responsive post-sales service".

Engagement models

Herzing College's blog sets out ways resellers can work more closely with vocational education providers.

It recommends curriculum collaboration. It suggests resellers "co-develop training modules" with colleges and institutes. It says these modules should align with product offerings and service models.

The blog also recommends internships and apprenticeships. It describes placements as a route for students to gain real-world experience. It also positions placements as a recruitment channel for resellers that want to assess and mentor candidates before hiring.

Herzing College says some programmes integrate these placements directly into coursework. It describes this approach as a way of making recruitment more seamless.

Workforce planning

The blog links vocational education to longer-term workforce planning for the reseller channel. It says bridging the skills gap depends on "cultivating" talent rather than only sourcing it.

It also argues that skills gaps affect project delivery and cost structures. It claims investment in training can reduce reliance on external consultants and shorten project timelines. It also claims it can strengthen customer relationships.

The blog includes background detail about Herzing College and references an author with "over 30 years of management experience focusing on computer science, graphics/design and education". It also cites completion of a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management with a minor in Computer Information Systems.

The post closes with a warning about the pace of technology change and its implications for the channel.

"In an era where technology is evolving faster than ever, the winners will be those who proactively bridge the skills gap."