If your internal IT team seems unusually stable lately, you’re not imagining things. 

After years of talent churn during “The Great Resignation,” we’ve entered a new era: The Big Stay. Economic uncertainty and the geopolitical landscape are leading IT professionals to stay put, for now (1). 

But if you’re not investing in their growth, you could be in a season of calm before the storm.

Developing your in-house technicians can be the differentiator that future-proofs your business. But that kind of investment takes focus, and let’s be honest: it’s hard to find the time when your team is tied up answering tickets. That’s where support partners like Helpt can make a difference. By taking care of your day-to-day live call answering and technical support, you can prioritize the bigger picture.

Why Train Now?

One of the top reasons people get into IT in the first place is the continuous learning opportunities (2). But every rose has its thorn. Those same surveyed professionals are met with the following pressures:

• The need for more technical knowledge

• The need to adapt to rapidly changing technology, tools, and best practices

• The need for specialized skills

If technicians aren’t given time and support to grow, their careers, and the Managed Service Providers (MSPs) they work for, risk falling behind. And the pressure is real: “85% of digital trust professionals believe they will need to increase their AI skills and knowledge within two years to keep their careers moving in the right direction.” (3) As technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed, ongoing training isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s essential for keeping both your team and your MSP competitive.

Workforce Demands Now, and to Come

The talent shortage is expected to be the biggest distributor to businesses in the coming year (4), and it’s already showing. But this challenge isn’t just about unfilled roles; it’s also about untapped potential. While The Big Stay has led many IT professionals to remain in their current roles, staying put doesn’t necessarily mean they’re growing. Without clear paths for advancement or skill development, some may feel their momentum slowing. That’s why one of the top stressors for IT leaders today isn’t headcount–it’s working with teams that lack the right training or skills (1). As broader cultural shifts and technological advancements continue to reshape the workplace, the demand for skilled technical and cybersecurity contributors will only continue to grow (1). Investing in your team now means fewer reactionary changes later and a workforce that’s ready to enter the future with you.

Here’s What You Should Train Them In

After reviewing recent research on common skill gaps, suggested strategies for growing MSPs, and best practices observed in top-performing MSPs (those with high recurring revenue, strong CSAT scores, and exceptional client retention), the path forward becomes obvious. Focus your training on these five buckets:

(Sources 1, 5, 6, 7)


You may find some of these topics are already covered in your offering–congratulations! If not, don’t let this list overwhelm you. Instead, allow it to kickstart conversations surrounding your MSP’s next steps. By advancing or diversifying your stack, you not only develop your employees, but also add value to your customers and raise your bottom line.

What Happens If You Don’t?

If you don’t actively support your team’s development, you’re risking more than just wasted potential and stalled growth–you’re inviting turnover. Nearly half of IT professionals say they’d leave due to limited opportunities for growth and promotion (1). And among technicians under the age of 45, a staggering 77% have switched jobs or employers in the past two years (2). The message is clear: if you’re not helping your team grow, someone else will.

In Conclusion

Building in time and money to develop your technicians is especially important now, as employer-provided benefits, such as professional development and flexible hours, are on the decline (1). That drop is being felt. On top of feeling overworked and undervalued, many technicians simply view their time at an MSP as a short-term stepping stone. A place to gain experience before moving on to in-house roles. 

This is your opportunity to stand out. By choosing to invest in your people when other companies are pulling back, you build loyalty, deepen expertise, and set your business apart. In a time when skilled tech talent is increasingly hard to find, going against the grain is exactly what gives you the edge to stay ahead.

Sources:
(1) ISACA State of Cybersecurity 2024
(2) ISACA Tech Workplace and Culture 2025
(3) ISACA Annual Report 2024
(4) Info-Tech Tech Trends 2025
(5) Datto State of the MSP Industry 2025
(6) ScalePad MSP Trends Report 2025
(7) N-able The MSP Horizons Report 2025