Skills Gap Analysis

A skills gap analysis is the process of comparing the skills an organisation currently has against the skills it needs, then identifying and prioritising the difference. It is the diagnostic step that tells learning and development teams what to actually train. The process typically maps required competencies for each role, assesses current proficiency through tests, manager input, or self-assessment, and surfaces the gaps as a prioritised list. The output drives decisions about which programmes to build, who to enrol, and where to hire versus train. Skills gap analysis is increasingly data-driven: LMS and talent platforms use assessment results, completion data, and competency frameworks to quantify gaps at individual, team, and organisation levels. This makes training spend defensible and targeted rather than generic. Business impact: A rigorous skills gap analysis ensures training budget is spent on the capabilities that matter most, directly linking L&D activity to business goals and workforce readiness.