In today’s fast-moving business world, Canadian companies are investing heavily in automation to improve efficiency and stay competitive. But here’s the catch: automation tech on its own isn’t the ultimate solution. The real game-changer? Training your people to use it effectively.

If you’re an executive looking to get more value from your automation investments, this Echo is for you. We’ll walk through the automation skills gap, how to assess your team's needs, and most importantly how the right training can boost ROI in a big way.

1 - Understanding the Automation Skills Gap

Let’s start with a reality check. While automation tools promise big results, many employees simply aren’t equipped to use them to their full potential. According to recent research, over half of Canadian workers feel unprepared for automation’s impact on their roles.

That’s what we call the automation skills gap and it’s a growing issue.

If your team doesn’t understand the tools you’re investing in, you won’t see the productivity, cost savings, or innovation that automation can offer. Closing that gap requires more than a quick lunch-and-learn. It calls for a strategic, top-down approach to training.

2 - Start with a Training Needs Assessment

Before launching any training program, you need to figure out where the gaps actually are. This means taking a structured look at your teams and their comfort level with automation.

Some easy ways to gather insight:

• Surveys: Ask employees where they feel confident or uncertain.

• Manager interviews: Get leaders’ perspective on team readiness.

• Focus groups: Talk to people in different roles and departments.

• Tool-specific reviews: What software or platforms are being introduced? What skills do they demand?

  
  

Let’s say your organization is rolling out robotic process automation (RPA). That’s a great step, but are your teams trained on how to configure workflows, or even how to identify where automation makes the most sense?

Knowing this up front helps you build training that actually solves problems, not just checks boxes.

3 - Design Targeted Training That Sticks

Not all training is created equal. The most effective programs are tailored to your team’s roles, the tools you're using, and how your business operates.

Here’s what to include:

• Clear Curriculum: Align the learning objectives with your automation goals. If you’re introducing AI-powered analytics, build in modules on data interpretation and decision-making.

• Flexible Delivery: Mix and match formats. Workshops, e-learning, on-the-job coaching. People learn differently, therefore flexibility is key.

• Real-World Examples: Use your own processes as training material. This helps employees connect the dots faster.

• Skilled Trainers: Work with instructors who know the tech and understand how to teach it practically, not just theoretically.

  
  

By customizing training to your context, you’re far more likely to see fast adoption and meaningful improvements.

4 - Make Learning Continuous, Not One-and-Done

Initial training is just the beginning. To get long-term value from automation, companies need to foster a culture of continuous learning.

Encourage employees to:

• Attend advanced workshops as tools evolve.

• Take short courses or micro-credentials focused on automation.

• Participate in mentorship programs, pairing tech-savvy staff with those still learning.

• Even better, support staff to attend industry events or conferences. These experiences broaden their perspective and bring new ideas back to your organization.

  
  

This kind of ongoing investment boosts morale, strengthens retention, and ensures your automation efforts evolve with your business.

5 - Measure the Impact of Training

So how do you know if it’s working? The good news is, automation training is measurable and executive leaders should be tracking the outcomes.

Consider monitoring:

• Employee Retention: Are trained employees staying longer?

• Productivity Gains: How has efficiency changed post-training? (Some Canadian companies report up to 30% increases in productivity after rolling out structured automation training.)

• Tool Adoption Rates: How many employees are actively and effectively using new platforms?

  
  

Keeping an eye on these KPIs helps you optimize future training and demonstrate the ROI to your leadership team or board.

Final Thoughts: Invest in Your People to Maximize Your Tech Investments

Let’s be clear: automation is here to stay. But without skilled people behind it, even the best technology won’t deliver the results you’re expecting.

By investing in strategic, ongoing training, you’re not just helping your teams grow, you’re positioning your business for sustainable success.

Ready to See Results?

At Echo Transformation, we help organizations turn automation investments into real-world outcomes. Whether you’re looking to close the skills gap, design a training roadmap, or scale your digital transformation, we’ve got you covered.

Book a no-pressure discovery call to see how we can get your team trained, confident, and ready to drive ROI from your automation strategy.