DETERMINATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A NEW ONLINE UPSKILLING AND RESKILLING PROGRAM IN A TECHNOLOGY CONSULTING SERVICES COMPANY IN CHILE

Abstract

The purpose of this PhD research is to analyze the effectiveness of a digital program of professional updating and reconversion aimed at Information Technology (IT) engineers who work in a technology consulting firm in Chile, in relation to the challenges presented by Industry 4. 0. To achieve this purpose, three specific goals were defined: to create a plan that meets the demands of the sector, to implement it by ensuring its accessibility, and to examine its influence on the technical and soft skills of the participants. The strategy used consisted of a mixed method, which combined quantitative analysis – through before and after evaluations, performance indicators and surveys – with a qualitative approach supported by interviews and focus groups. This combination of methods made it possible to evaluate the transformations in productivity, effectiveness, quality of work and talent retention, as well as to understand the perceptions and experiences of engineers in relation to the educational process. The findings show significant improvements in digital skills, resilience, adaptability and social skills, fundamental elements for functioning in highly digitalized contexts. In addition, the program helped to reduce the gap between the demands of the labor market and the available skills, strengthening the employability of IT engineers and the competitiveness of the company. In summary, online professional upskilling and retraining programs are established as an effective and sustainable tactic to face digital transformation, benefiting both companies and employees. This analysis offers empirical data within the Chilean context and provides practical and theoretical guidelines for the creation of similar initiatives in the region