Skillsoft - Detailed Review
Career Tools
Skillsoft - Product Overview
Overview
Skillsoft is a leading provider of online learning and e-learning solutions, particularly notable in the career tools and AI-driven product category. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
Skillsoft’s primary function is to help organizations address growing skills gaps and talent shortages by providing transformative learning experiences. The platform offers a wide range of courses and training programs aimed at upskilling employees, enhancing their skills, and preparing them for the jobs of the future.
Target Audience
Skillsoft’s target audience is diverse and includes global enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), government agencies, and educational institutions. These organizations are looking to invest in continuous learning and development for their employees and students. The platform caters to a wide range of individuals, from entry-level employees to seasoned professionals, across various sectors.
Key Features
Career Journeys
This is Skillsoft’s latest offering, which combines live, on-demand, hands-on, and collaborative learning modalities. Career Journeys provide topic-specific skilling programs that help learners master mission- and job-critical skills. For example, the Cybersecurity Career Journey includes on-demand content, hands-on labs, practice exams, and instructor-led training, all aligned with in-demand IT certifications.
Multi-Modal Learning
Skillsoft integrates various learning modalities such as instructor-led training, digital coaching, and hands-on practice labs. This approach ensures highly engaging and career-oriented learning experiences.
Cohort Learning
Programs foster camaraderie, networking, and mentorship among peers. Learners can engage in group thinking and learn from each other’s experiences.
Expert Interactions
Content and certification preparation materials are developed in partnership with subject matter experts, allowing for live Q&A sessions and personalized feedback.
CAISY Conversation AI Simulator
This is an innovative tool that simulates business and leadership conversational skills using generative AI. It provides an emotionally safe space for employees to practice important business conversations and receive personalized feedback on their communication style.
Comprehensive Course Library
Skillsoft offers over 6,000 pre-built courses covering a broad range of topics including business skills, leadership and management, IT skills, software development, professional certifications, and office productivity tools.
Single Interface
All learning modules are managed within the Skillsoft Percipio platform, allowing organizations to build scalable and sustainable learning programs.
By combining these features, Skillsoft provides a comprehensive and engaging learning environment that supports skill mastery, talent retention, and the development of competitive workforces.
Skillsoft - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of Skillsoft’s AI-Driven Learning Platform
The user interface of Skillsoft’s AI-driven learning platform, particularly through its Percipio platform, is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, focusing on personalization and ease of use.Personalization
The platform uses AI to personalize learning for each user based on their profile, search behavior, learning activity, skill assessments, and role. This personalization is evident in the recommended content, which is generated from Skill Benchmark Assessments and the user’s interests. For example, Percipio recommends content based on the user’s recent activity and the behaviors of similar users, much like how Amazon suggests products.Role Advisor
The Role Advisor feature acts as a virtual skill-building concierge, providing quick references to trending content relevant to the user’s job role. It offers learning recommendations grouped by content type (courses, books, audiobooks, and labs) and highlights top skills related to the user’s role with corresponding content recommendations. Users can also add an aspirational role to receive targeted skills and content recommendations to close skill gaps.User Experience
The interface is structured to make it easy for users to find and engage with relevant content. Here are some key aspects:Content Access
Users can access a wide range of content, including courses, videos, books, audiobooks, and labs, all within one platform. This content is curated around specific job roles and skill profiles, making it easy to find what is needed.Navigation
The platform features a clear and intuitive navigation system. Users can select their job role during their first login or later through the navigation bar, which helps in aligning the learning content with their needs.AI Assistant
The AI Assistant is integrated into the Role Advisor, providing answers to questions based on the user’s role and helping them develop skills focused on their current or aspirational role.Mobile App
The Percipio mobile app extends the learning experience to mobile devices, allowing users to access content anywhere, anytime. This app supports both iOS and Android devices and requires a simple login process using the site name “Cornell” for Cornell users.Engagement and Feedback
The platform encourages engagement through various features:Social Learning
Career Journeys include social learning elements, such as networking, mentorship, and group discussions, which help build camaraderie and a collaborative learning mindset.Skill Benchmarks
Users can measure their skills with benchmarks specific to their role, receiving recommendations on where to focus their learning efforts to achieve proficiency.CAISY™ AI Simulator
This feature allows users to practice difficult conversations in a safe environment, receiving real-time personalized feedback to improve their skills. Overall, the user interface of Skillsoft’s Percipio platform is designed to be user-friendly, with a strong focus on personalization, ease of access to relevant content, and interactive features that enhance the learning experience. Skillsoft - Key Features and Functionality
Skillsoft’s AI-Driven Career Tools
Skillsoft’s career tools, particularly those driven by AI, offer a range of innovative features that enhance learning, skill development, and career advancement. Here are the main features and how they work:Smart Content Discovery and AI-Assisted Search
Skillsoft has introduced an AI Assistant that facilitates Smart Content Discovery. This feature provides customized recommendations, instant support, and career guidance based on the learner’s progress and interests. The AI-Assisted Search function refines queries and suggests related topics, making it easier for learners and administrators to find relevant learning experiences and resources. This helps streamline the learning process and ensures that learners access the most relevant content quickly.Personalised Coaching
The Personalised Coaching feature enhances traditional 1-on-1 coaching by integrating an AI Coaching Guide. This guide offers continuous support between human-led sessions, providing real-time feedback and encouragement to keep learners on track with their learning objectives. The AI Coaching Guide also offers data-driven insights to help learners better navigate their goals and stay motivated.Coding Assistant
For those focusing on technical skills, Skillsoft has introduced a Coding Assistant, an AI-based chatbot that serves as a personal tutor for Codecademy interactive courses. This assistant provides real-time feedback, tailored coding exercises, and support based on the learner’s progress and skill level. This makes coding education more interactive and engaging, helping learners to improve their coding skills more effectively.CAISY Conversation AI Simulator
The CAISY Conversation AI Simulator is a generative AI tool that simulates business and leadership conversational skills. It provides employees with an emotionally safe space to practice important business conversations with an AI-powered trainer. CAISY plays the role of the other person in the conversation and offers personalized feedback and guidance on communication style, helping to develop critical communication skills.AI Model for Skill Transformation
Skillsoft’s AI model for skill transformation outlines a comprehensive pathway for organizations to achieve various performance outcomes. This model includes four levels of proficiency: Literacy, Competency, Proficiency, and Mastery. It involves a blend of modalities such as core skills curricula, technology and power skills content, hands-on interactive courses, and instructor-led programs. This framework helps bridge skills gaps and ensures that learners progress from basic literacy to mastery in AI-related skills.Skill Benchmarks
Skillsoft has developed new Skill Benchmarks specifically for generative AI, which evaluate learners’ proficiency and knowledge in areas such as the principles of the technology, responsible usage, and its impact on work. These benchmarks assign learners a score and level, ranging from Novice to Advanced, and provide personalized recommendations for further learning. This approach helps in identifying and addressing specific skill gaps within businesses.Aspire Journeys
Skillsoft’s Aspire Journeys are multi-modal learning paths that promote subject literacy from the front line to the C-suite. These journeys include courses focused on Generative AI Foundations, Responsible Applications and Guardrails for Generative AI, Reimagining Work with Generative AI, and Leading an AI Transformation. These courses equip learners with a solid understanding of the core principles needed to responsibly and effectively use, build, and experiment with generative AI.Integrated Methodology for Skill Transformation
Skillsoft’s integrated methodology involves several steps: Benchmarking to understand the skills gap, Instructing through immersive and self-paced training, Collaborating through live events and cohort interactions, Applying skills in realistic scenarios, and Performing through coaching leaders. AI is integrated throughout this process to deliver personalized learning, improve discoverability and accessibility, and enhance the overall learning experience. These features collectively leverage AI to make learning more personalized, interactive, and effective, helping individuals and organizations to develop the skills needed for success in a rapidly changing work environment. Skillsoft - Performance and Accuracy
Evaluating the Performance and Accuracy of Skillsoft’s AI-Driven Career Tools
Performance
Skillsoft’s CAISY is designed to transform and democratize interpersonal skills development by enabling employees to practice challenging scenarios such as employee performance management, customer negotiations, and customer service challenges. Here are some performance highlights:- Interactive Coaching: CAISY offers immediate, personalized feedback and recommends relevant Skillsoft courseware to guide development, which enhances the learning experience and helps in building vital interpersonal skills.
- Scalability: Skillsoft leverages its deep library of proprietary content to deliver coaching at scale, making it accessible to organizations of all sizes and industries.
- Job Role Transformation: The tool helps in reimagining work processes and supports the transition to a more AI-friendly workplace. For example, it can help reskill employees in areas like interior design as AI takes over straightforward queries.
Accuracy and Fairness
To ensure accuracy and fairness, Skillsoft has implemented several measures:- Monitoring Interactions: Each interaction with CAISY is monitored for potential abuse, context, and accuracy to prevent bias and inappropriate responses.
- Ethical Use: The training programs include modules on ethical issues around AI, such as how far to trust AI outputs and the importance of human oversight over AI-generated work.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Despite the positive aspects, there are some limitations and areas that require attention:- AI Skills Gap: A significant number of organizations have not provided adequate AI training, with 63% of organizations in EMEA not offering any AI training in the last year. Only 58% of respondents believe their organization’s investment in AI skills building is sufficient to close the gap.
- Effectiveness of Training Programs: Only 25% of employees rate their organization’s talent development programs as highly effective. There is a notable gap in the effectiveness of AI training programs, with 62% of respondents rating them as average to poor.
- Leadership and Soft Skills: There is a significant skill gap in leadership and soft skills such as communication and problem-solving. Only 28% of respondents believe the leadership skills training provided by their organization is excellent, and just a third (31%) say the same about soft skills training.
- Transition to Skills-Based Model: While many organizations are transitioning to a skills-based model, only 19% of respondents receive regular skill assessments, which is a critical component of such strategies.
Engagement and Factual Accuracy
Skillsoft’s approach to engagement and factual accuracy is evident in their comprehensive framework for AI transformation:- Comprehensive Learning Pathway: Skillsoft’s AI model for skill transformation includes a range of instructional solutions from Literacy to Mastery, ensuring a seamless pathway for skill development. This includes a blend of technology, power skills, and compliance content.
- Human Oversight: The emphasis on human intervention, especially in critical areas like HR, ensures that AI-generated content is reviewed carefully to maintain depth and avoid being “cold and robotic”.
Conclusion
In summary, while Skillsoft’s AI-driven tools like CAISY show promising performance in enhancing interpersonal skills and adapting to AI-driven workplaces, there are clear areas for improvement, particularly in the effectiveness of training programs, addressing skill gaps, and ensuring regular skill assessments. Skillsoft - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure
Skillsoft does not offer a simple tiered pricing model like some other educational tools. Instead, the pricing varies significantly based on the specific needs and size of the organization.Average Annual Cost
The average cost for Skillsoft software is approximately $23,985 annually. This figure can vary widely depending on the organization’s requirements.Features and Plans
Skillsoft’s main offering is the Percipio platform, which is a comprehensive learning solution. Here are some of the key features and plans:Percipio Platform
This platform offers over 500,000 multi-modal courses, videos, and micro-learning modules. It includes resources for upskilling and reskilling in areas such as technology skills, leadership development, compliance, and ethics.Customized Programs
The platform provides customized programs, one-on-one and group coaching, coding courses, legal and ethics compliance training, and environmental health and safety training.Learning Paths
Skillsoft offers curated learning paths known as Aspire Journeys, which help users accelerate their skill development and capabilities.Continuous Updates
The platform ensures users have access to the latest skills with continuously updated learning experiences.Free Options
Skillsoft offers a 30-day free trial for its Percipio platform. This trial allows users to access the full range of features and content to see if it meets their needs before committing to a purchase.Savings and Negotiations
Vendr, a procurement platform, can help organizations achieve significant savings on Skillsoft software. Typically, Vendr customers can save around 35% off the list price by leveraging their expertise and data. In summary, while Skillsoft does not have a straightforward tiered pricing model, it offers a comprehensive learning platform with a wide range of features and a free trial option. The actual cost will depend on the specific requirements of the organization. Skillsoft - Integration and Compatibility
Skillsoft Overview
Skillsoft, a leading provider of AI-driven career development tools, integrates seamlessly with several prominent HR and learning management systems, ensuring a smooth and efficient learning experience across various platforms.
Integration with SAP SuccessFactors
Skillsoft has announced a deeper integration with SAP SuccessFactors, which is set to be fully available in early 2025. This integration aligns Skillsoft’s Percipio platform with SAP’s Talent Intelligence Hub, allowing customers to compare employees’ skills against role requirements and create more targeted development plans. This integration leverages specific SuccessFactors features to provide personalized career development and talent optimization paths, minimizing administrative effort.
Integration with Workday
Skillsoft Percipio also integrates with Workday, offering a streamlined learning experience. This integration synchronizes content information daily, ensuring learners have access to the latest materials. It allows administrators to push all licensed content to Workday or select content by type, including courses and videos. Learners can discover relevant content through search-optimized titles and descriptions, and refine search results based on content type.
AI-Driven Enhancements
Skillsoft’s Percipio platform is heavily infused with AI to personalize learning. AI tools such as Smart Content Discovery, AI-Assisted Search, and Personalized Coaching enhance the learning experience. For instance, the AI Assistant offers customized recommendations, instant support, and career guidance. The AI Coaching Guide provides continuous support between human-led coaching sessions, offering real-time feedback and encouragement. Additionally, the Coding Assistant acts as a personal tutor for coding courses, providing real-time feedback and tailored exercises.
Compatibility Across Platforms and Devices
Skillsoft’s products are compatible with a range of operating systems and browsers. They support Microsoft Windows versions including Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7, as well as various versions of Mac OS X. The system requirements also include support for the latest fully released version of the Oracle JRE. For optimal performance, Windows 7 display settings must be set to 100% for the Skillsoft Course Player to display correctly.
Conclusion
In summary, Skillsoft’s integrations with major HR systems like SAP SuccessFactors and Workday, combined with its AI-driven learning tools, ensure a highly personalized and efficient learning experience. The platform’s compatibility with multiple operating systems and browsers further enhances its usability across different devices.
Skillsoft - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
Skillsoft provides 24/7 customer support through their dedicated support team. Customers can contact Support Consultants at any time, day or night, to address any questions or issues they may have. This support is available through various channels, ensuring that help is always accessible.Additional Resources
Learning Platform – Percipio
Skillsoft’s learning platform, Percipio, is a key resource that offers a personalized and interactive learning experience. It includes a vast library of self-paced online courses, books, audiobooks, hands-on practice, and live online bootcamps. Percipio features over 200 structured learning paths and more than 800 curated training channels, making it a valuable tool for professional development.AI-Powered Tools
Smart Content Discovery
An AI Assistant provides customized recommendations, instant support, and career guidance to help learners find relevant learning experiences and resources.AI-Assisted Search
This feature refines queries and suggests related topics, making it easier for learners and administrators to find what they need.Personalised Coaching
The AI Coaching Guide offers continuous support between human-led coaching sessions, providing real-time feedback and encouragement to stay on track with learning objectives.Coding Assistant
For technical skills, this AI-based chatbot serves as a personal tutor for Codecademy interactive courses, offering real-time feedback and support based on the learner’s progress and skill level.CAISY Conversation AI Simulator
This tool simulates business and leadership conversational skills, providing a safe space to practice difficult conversations with personalized feedback and guidance on communication style.Training and Certification
Skillsoft offers a wide range of courses and training programs, including certification preparation resources. For example, the platform includes channels curated around DHS and Coast Guard leadership, career development, and certification preparation, which can be particularly beneficial for those seeking to enhance their skills or prepare for certification exams.Live Learning and Bootcamps
Users can engage in live learning sessions and bootcamps, which are convenient and flexible, allowing learners to choose the delivery format that best suits their needs. This includes options such as live bootcamps and other interactive learning experiences. By leveraging these resources, users can ensure they have the support and tools necessary to achieve their learning and career goals effectively. Skillsoft - Pros and Cons
When considering Skillsoft as a career tool
Especially in the AI-driven product category, there are several key advantages and disadvantages to be aware of.
Advantages
Interactive and Customizable Learning
Skillsoft courses are highly interactive and customizable, which enhances the learning experience, particularly in an online setting. This makes the platform engaging and effective for both individual learners and teams.
Integration with Third-Party Applications
Skillsoft’s Learning Management System (LMS) integrates well with third-party applications such as SAP and Moodle, which can be beneficial for organizations already using these systems.
Mobile Accessibility
The Percipio platform allows users to access courses on their mobile devices, enabling continuous learning on the go and seamless transitions between different devices.
AI-Powered Features
Skillsoft has introduced several AI-powered tools, including Smart Content Discovery, AI-Assisted Search, and Personalised Coaching. These features offer customized recommendations, instant support, and career guidance, making the learning process more personalized and efficient.
Coding Assistant
For those focusing on technical skills, the Coding Assistant acts as a personal tutor for coding courses, providing real-time feedback and tailored exercises based on the learner’s progress and skill level.
Comprehensive AI Transformation Framework
Skillsoft offers a comprehensive framework for AI transformation, including a range of instructional solutions from literacy to mastery. This framework includes curricula, interactive courses, labs, and instructor-led programs to develop a robust understanding of AI technologies.
Global Accessibility
Courses are available in 33 languages, making the platform inclusive and accessible for diverse teams across different regions.
Disadvantages
Cost
Training from Skillsoft can be costly, which may be a significant factor for individuals or organizations with limited budgets.
Limited New Courses
Some users have complained that Skillsoft does not frequently update its course offerings to include the latest trending skills, which can be a drawback for those seeking the most current knowledge.
Initial Learning Curve
Some users find the initial setup and navigation of the platform a bit intimidating, especially when managing a large employee base. The backend organization and reporting functionality can also be challenging.
Browser Compatibility Issues
There have been reports that the platform may require the use of a specific browser, which can be inconvenient for users on different platforms.
Limited Reporting Functionality
The reporting features of the platform are considered limited by some users, which can make it difficult to manage and track employee progress effectively.
By weighing these pros and cons, individuals and organizations can make an informed decision about whether Skillsoft aligns with their learning and career development needs.
Skillsoft - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Skillsoft
- Personalised Learning and Coaching: Skillsoft’s platform includes features like Smart Content Discovery, AI-Assisted Search, and Personalised Coaching. The AI Coaching Guide provides continuous support between human-led sessions, offering real-time feedback and encouragement. Additionally, the Coding Assistant acts as a personal tutor for coding courses, providing real-time feedback and tailored exercises based on the learner’s progress and skill level.
- AI Skill Accelerator: Skillsoft’s AI Skill Accelerator combines on-demand and interactive courses, instructor-led training, AI-driven conversational training, and coaching. This program is particularly focused on developing AI skills and includes collaborations with companies like Microsoft to create specialized GenAI skilling programs.
- Certification Paths: Skillsoft offers comprehensive certification management for administrators and a centralized hub for learners to access all their certification needs, making it easier to track and share technical certifications.
Competitors and Alternatives
iMocha
- Skills Intelligence Cloud: iMocha’s platform uses AI to deliver a holistic view of employee capabilities, including skills inventory, skill-gap analysis, and skills benchmarking. It also provides talent analytics and strategic workforce planning, helping organizations make data-informed decisions on upskilling and reskilling initiatives.
- Custom Learning Paths: iMocha allows the creation of personalized learning journeys aligned with organizational goals and individual career aspirations. It also offers hands-on projects and recognized certifications from top universities and companies.
Pluralsight
- Skill IQ Assessments: Pluralsight uses adaptive testing to measure individual technical skills accurately. It also offers Role IQ evaluations to assess proficiency in specific tech roles, helping with career pathing and internal mobility.
- Extensive Tech Course Library: Pluralsight provides thousands of courses covering a wide range of technology topics, along with interactive courses, projects, and labs for practical skill application.
Cornerstone OnDemand
- While not detailed in the sources provided, Cornerstone OnDemand is another significant competitor in the learning and talent development space. It is known for its comprehensive learning management system and talent management tools, which can be considered as alternatives to Skillsoft’s offerings.
Key Differences
- Focus on AI Skills: Skillsoft’s AI Skill Accelerator is highly focused on developing AI-specific skills, which is a unique selling point compared to more general learning platforms like Pluralsight and iMocha.
- Integration and Analytics: iMocha stands out with its advanced analytics and integration capabilities, allowing for seamless integration with existing learning management systems and HR platforms. This is particularly beneficial for organizations looking to make data-informed decisions on workforce development.
- Interactive Learning: Pluralsight’s emphasis on hands-on learning experiences through interactive courses, projects, and labs sets it apart from more traditional learning platforms. This approach is beneficial for learners who prefer practical skill application.
Skillsoft - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Skillsoft’s AI-driven career tools, along with detailed responses:
Q: What is Smart Content Discovery in Skillsoft, and how does it help learners?
Smart Content Discovery is a feature in Skillsoft that uses an AI Assistant to offer customized recommendations, instant support, and career guidance. This AI Assistant helps learners by suggesting relevant learning experiences and resources, making it easier for them to find what they need to achieve their learning objectives.
Q: How does the AI-Assisted Search function in Skillsoft work?
The AI-Assisted Search in Skillsoft refines queries and suggests related topics, making it easier for both learners and administrators to find relevant learning experiences and resources. This feature enhances the search functionality by providing more accurate and relevant results.
Q: What is the Personalised Coaching feature in Skillsoft, and how does it support learners?
The Personalised Coaching feature in Skillsoft enhances traditional 1-on-1 coaching by providing continuous support between human-led sessions through an AI Coaching Guide. This guide offers real-time feedback and encouragement to help learners stay on track with their learning objectives. It also provides data-driven insights to help learners better navigate their goals.
Q: How does the Coding Assistant in Skillsoft support coding education?
The Coding Assistant in Skillsoft is an AI-based chatbot that serves as a personal tutor for Codecademy interactive courses. It provides real-time feedback, tailored coding exercises, and support based on the learner’s progress and skill level, making coding education more interactive and engaging.
Q: What is the Q&A Management feature in Skillsoft, and how does it work?
The Q&A Management feature in Skillsoft allows learners to ask and respond to questions on a Q&A tab for courses. If the AI feature is enabled, Percipio AI automatically answers questions posed by learners, though these responses are limited to 100 per learner per day. Site admins and designated subject matter experts can review and monitor all Q&A activity.
Q: How does Skillsoft’s AI model for skill transformation work?
Skillsoft’s AI model for skill transformation includes a comprehensive pathway with four levels of proficiency: Literacy, Competency, Proficiency, and Mastery. This model uses a blend of modalities such as core skills curriculum, technology and power skills content, interactive courses, and instructor-led programs to help learners progress from basic skills to mastery. It also includes Skill Benchmarks to assess learners’ proficiency and recommend further learning.
Q: What is the Skillsoft CAISY™ Conversation AI Simulator, and how does it benefit learners?
The Skillsoft CAISY™ Conversation AI Simulator is an innovative tool that simulates business and leadership conversational skills using generative AI. It allows employees to practice difficult conversations in an emotionally safe environment, providing personalized feedback and guidance on communication style. This simulator helps learners prepare for real-life business interactions through realistic scenario-based learning.
Q: How does Skillsoft’s AI-infused career development and training support employee skill development?
Skillsoft’s AI-infused career development and training, in collaboration with IBM Watson Talent, focuses on agile skill development, internal promotion, and job mobility. It supports employees in pursuing dynamic career paths by providing AI-powered learning and career development tools, which help in fortifying existing employee skills and supporting career growth.
Q: What are Skillsoft Aspire Journeys, and what do they cover?
Skillsoft Aspire Journeys are multi-modal learning paths designed to promote subject literacy from the front line to the C-suite. These journeys cover a wide range of topics, including Generative AI Foundations, Responsible Applications and Guardrails for Generative AI, Reimagining Work with Generative AI, Leading an AI Transformation, and Human Skills to Sustain an AI Transformation. They equip learners with the necessary knowledge to responsibly and effectively use, build, and experiment with generative AI.
Q: How do Skillsoft’s Skill Benchmarks work in assessing learner proficiency?
Skillsoft’s Skill Benchmarks are specially designed to assess learners’ proficiency and knowledge in areas such as the principles of generative AI, responsible usage, and its impact on work. Based on the assessment results, learners are assigned a score and level, ranging from Novice to Advanced. This helps in recommending personalized learning paths to bridge skills gaps within businesses.