Ever wondered why businesses are willing to spend millions on employee training? It’s not out of kindness. Companies invest in corporate training because skilled employees make them more competitive, more profitable, and more efficient.
But here’s where it gets interesting for you: businesses don’t just train existing employees—they also look for people who already have in-demand skills. Understanding what companies prioritize in corporate training can help you position yourself for better jobs, promotions, and higher pay.
Businesses invest in training because:
- Skills drive profits – Employees with up-to-date skills perform better and help the company grow.
- Leadership development fuels success – Strong managers lead productive teams and improve operations.
- Workplace compliance is non-negotiable – Employers must ensure staff understand health, safety, and labor laws.
- Technology is evolving fast – Companies need people who can adapt to automation, AI, and cybersecurity threats.
If you want to stand out in the job market, it’s time to start thinking like a company: What skills are worth investing in? The more aligned you are with what businesses need, the better your chances of being recruited, promoted, or paid more.
What Type of Training Do Businesses Pay For?
Companies don’t just throw money at random courses. They focus on areas that directly impact their bottom line. Here are the training categories that get the most attention—and how you can take advantage of them.
1. Leadership & Management Training
If you want to move up the corporate ladder, management training is a game-changer. Companies invest in leadership development because better leaders create more efficient, productive, and motivated teams.
- Executive Leadership Development – For professionals aiming for senior management roles.
- People Management Training – Helps supervisors and mid-level managers develop leadership skills.
- Change Management Training – Teaches how to lead during business transformations and restructuring.
How to use this: If your goal is a promotion, look for leadership certifications that match what businesses are training their staff in. Your future employer will see you as “leadership-ready.”
2. Technology & Digital Transformation
Digital skills are in high demand. Companies need employees who can adapt to AI, automation, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
- Cybersecurity Training – Protecting sensitive data is now a priority for all businesses.
- Cloud Computing & Digital Tools – Companies are moving towards cloud-based operations.
- Data Analytics & AI Training – Businesses need professionals who can use data for decision-making.
How to use this: Even if you’re not in IT, having basic digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness makes you more valuable. If you work in finance, HR, or marketing, learning how to use data analytics can give you an edge.
3. Sales & Customer Service Training
Sales drive revenue, and companies need employees who know how to win customers, close deals, and build relationships.
- Advanced Sales Techniques – Helps professionals boost conversion rates and negotiate better.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Training – Teaches how to use CRM tools effectively.
- Service Excellence & Conflict Resolution – Critical for handling clients and complaints professionally.
How to use this: If you want a career in sales, marketing, or customer success, mastering CRM tools like Salesforce or HubSpot can put you ahead of other job candidates.
4. Compliance & Workplace Safety
Companies legally must train employees on compliance, workplace laws, and safety regulations. This type of training is crucial in industries like construction, healthcare, and finance.
- Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Training – Required in construction, mining, and industrial jobs.
- HR & Employment Law Training – Helps businesses avoid labor law violations.
- Diversity & Inclusion Training – Supports workplace equality and anti-discrimination policies.
How to use this: If you work in HR, operations, or project management, compliance certifications can help you stand out and qualify for better roles.
5. Industry-Specific & Customized Corporate Training
Some businesses invest in highly specialized training for niche industries. This includes:
- Financial Compliance & Risk Management Training – For banking, insurance, and investment professionals.
- Healthcare & Medical Training – For healthcare administrators and public health officials.
- Construction & Engineering Training – For project managers and technical specialists.
How to use this: If your industry requires licensing or compliance certifications, make sure your qualifications align with what top employers are looking for.
Which Corporate Training Providers Do Businesses Use?
Many businesses don’t handle training in-house. Instead, they hire corporate training providers to upskill their workforce. Here are some of the most respected training institutions in South Africa:
1. Leadership & Business Management Training
- Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) – Executive leadership and business strategy programs.
- UCT Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB) – Customized corporate leadership programs.
- Regenesys Business School – Corporate education in business, strategy, and digital transformation.
2. Technology & Digital Skills Training
- MasterStart – Digital and business skills training from top SA universities.
- HyperionDev – Coding, software development, and AI training.
- Torque IT – Certifications in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure.
3. Sales & Customer Service Training
- Dale Carnegie Training South Africa – Sales techniques, customer service, and leadership development.
- FranklinCovey South Africa – High-performance sales and business development training.
4. Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management Training
- PwC’s Academy – Corporate compliance, risk management, and financial training.
- NOSA (National Occupational Safety Association) – Workplace safety and compliance training.
SEE: Complete list of Corporate Training Providers in South Africa
How to Use This Information to Your Advantage
Now that you know what companies prioritize in training, here’s how you can position yourself as a valuable candidate:
- Align your training with corporate priorities – If businesses are investing in leadership, digital skills, and compliance, you should too.
- Look for courses that employers already use – If companies send staff to GIBS, UCT GSB, or NOSA, those are the training providers to focus on.
- Get certified before you apply – Employers love hiring people who are already trained instead of waiting to train them later.
- Leverage in-demand skills for salary negotiation – The more business-critical your skills, the more negotiating power you have.
Stay Ahead by Training Like a Business
Businesses train their employees for success—so why wouldn’t you do the same for yourself? Understanding corporate training priorities helps you make smart choices about which skills to develop so that you become a top candidate for promotions, high-paying jobs, and career advancement opportunities.