A learning path is a set route taken through a range of educational activities.

It could be a path to a single goal, or a comprehensive learning journey designed to encompass all aspects of an employee's job. Using the latter and viewing learning as a holistic process rather than a solitary occurrence, a learning path empowers both employers and employees to identify innovative methods of streamlining training, thus minimizing time, resources, and lack of engagement.

This approach better targets outcomes and can decrease the time required to achieve job role proficiency.

It could be a single course divided into sessions over time. Or it could consist of a program with a mix of, but not limited to; eLearning, classroom-based learning, coaching, assignments, video, and electronic resources. It could even be a series of programs undertaken over a long period. A learning path can be crafted and undertaken via a Learning Management System (LMS).

The path could be pre-determined by the employer and be general to a job function to maximize productivity, or it could be bespoke to an employee based on individual performance and goals. This gives an employee a sense of direction and clarity when it comes to career development.

They will understand where they are currently, where they need to get to, and which learning interventions will get them there, thus giving them autonomy and ownership over their own learning and development. This in turn allows employers to streamline and optimize training processes, reducing the time and resources required to onboard, upskill, and continually develop their employees.

By using learning paths, graduates embarking on a career in data centers can leverage a wide range of skills to tackle some of the most compelling challenges in the IT industry. For a graduate electrical engineer, a data center career requires critical thinking, leadership skills, and technical proficiency. The traditional approach to training someone in mission-critical operations is to undertake a set of courses before being ‘hands-on’ within the role, when in fact a customized learning path while on the job produces better results.

Three ways learning paths allow employees to take ownership of their learning and development:

1. Goal setting: Employees can set their learning objectives aligned with personal career and organizational goals. They can use feedback to pinpoint areas for improvement and skill gaps that are relevant to their role and future career path.
   
2. Curriculum customization: Employees can tailor their learning pathway by selecting courses, sessions, or resources that are most relevant to their learning objectives. They can explore different types of development such as self-paced, instructor-led, or coaching, to best suit their personal learning style and preference.
   
3. Progress tracking: Tracking progress along the learning pathway helps employees stay accountable and motivated. Setting milestones and checkpoints allows employees to monitor their advancement and adjust their learning journey accordingly.

Three ways employers can increase profits by using learning pathways:

1. Reduced staff turnover: Investing in employee development through learning paths can increase employee satisfaction and loyalty. When employees feel supported in their professional development and see opportunities for progression within the organization, they are more likely to stay long-term, reducing recruitment and training costs associated with turnover. This is a big plus for a data center as acquiring the right staff is already a major challenge for the industry.
   
2. Improved quality of work: Well-trained employees are better equipped to deliver high-quality work, reducing errors and downtime due to human factors. This enhances the organization’s reputation and leads to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, increasing profits through repeat business, positive word-of-mouth recommendations, and good public relations.
   
3. Compliance and risk mitigation: For industries like data centers, with strict regulatory requirements, implementing learning paths ensures that employees receive the necessary compliance training and certifications that adhere to legal and safety standards within a region. This reduces the risk of fines, penalties, injuries, or downtime, which can have a significant impact on the organization's profits.

By taking ownership of their learning and development through a learning pathway, employees not only enhance their professional growth but also contribute to the overall success of the organization. As a result, employers can unlock the full potential of their employees, operate at a high standard, and increase long-term profitability.