Bridging the skills gap: The impact of digital learning at EdgeWorks™

EdgeWorks™, a leading learning provider, has embraced digital transformation to enhance staff skills and improve care quality. As a ‘digital first’ organisation, its core development team is already proficient in digital skills. However, the assessment team, including Internal Quality Assurers (IQA) and assessors, have varying levels of digital competency. To address this, EdgeWorks™ introduced Digital Skills micro-learning courses as a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunity, equipping staff with the necessary skills to navigate emerging technologies.

Steve Helsby, Commercial Director at EdgeWorks™, has played a key role in driving this transformation. A key milestone in EdgeWorks™’ digital journey is the development of an integrated AI assessment agent. This innovation aims to enhance the delivery of training and qualifications, particularly in supporting employers with high-quality induction programmes, such as the Care Certificate. The AI agent will provide real-time feedback on high-demand assessments, easing the burden of resource-intensive tasks while improving productivity and expanding capacity. To ensure a seamless transition, the assessment team receives ongoing one-on-one support to understand both the capabilities and limitations of AI technology.

While the integration of AI is still in progress, EdgeWorks™ anticipates launching its first AI-supported training programmes by summer 2025. Early projections suggest that productivity will double, enabling the organisation to provide more targeted interventions to individual learners. Once the AI assessment agent is established, the team will develop scenario-based assessments that allow learners to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSB) in practical settings. This approach not only improves competency but also encourages critical thinking skills essential for Level 3 performance. Clients will have access to the generated data and receive support in aligning it with their internal key performance indicators (KPIs).

EdgeWorks™ employs a combination of eLearning modules and one-on-one support sessions to facilitate digital skills training. Staff response to these initiatives has generally been positive, particularly among senior team members who value CPD. Moving forward, EdgeWorks™ plans to formalise its digital learning development pathway, transitioning from ad hoc training to a structured approach. The organisation’s employer-direct model actively involves client teams in the delivery process, encouraging collaboration between EdgeWorks™’ assessors and in-house employer teams. By embedding digital skills training within this model, EdgeWorks™ ensures that client teams are equipped to adopt and sustain digital methodologies, forming an integral part of the qualification standardisation process.

Melissa, an IQA at EdgeWorks™, highlights the transformative potential of digital adoption: “The digitisation work we are doing at EdgeWorks™ is really exciting and we feel it will be really transformative for the sector. As the centre IQA, I’m very keen to build my own knowledge and skills but more importantly, help our team of assessors (and client teams) build their own confidence.”

EdgeWorks™ has identified several key benefits from its investment in digital skills training. From a business perspective, the organisation has a clear strategic direction, leveraging digital technology to differentiate itself in the market. Staff members feel confident and secure in their roles, viewing digital advancements as tools that enhance, rather than threaten, their positions. Clients, through the “employer direct” partnership, are building internal capacity and resilience, benefiting from improved recruitment, retention, and more confident, well-trained staff. One key client has already projected improvements across multiple KPIs, including enhanced care outcomes due to better-prepared employees.

To promote digital skills training within the wider social care network, EdgeWorks™ has engaged in sector-based webinars and leveraged digital marketing channels, including social media and email campaigns. The organisation has also introduced the ”EdgeWorks™ Learning and Development Investment Fund” to increase accessibility to various training opportunities, including digital skills programmes. EdgeWorks™ recognises that a strategic approach to Learning and Development is essential for sustainable growth. However, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lack the expertise to implement effective Learning and Development strategies. By providing structured guidance and training, EdgeWorks™ aims to bridge this gap and drive sector-wide improvements in care quality through digital innovation.