The IT training market comprises two broad sectors: instructor-led training (ILT) and e-learning (or technology-based training). E-learning has been the major growth sector of the market in recent years, as it has increased in maturity and sophistication. However, it is increasingly difficult to distinguish between these two sectors given the growing trend towards blended learning, which refers to courses that feature both instructor-led and computer-based components.

The 2004 to 2005 period is experiencing a significant change in the structure of the market. E-learning, and blended learning in particular, are growing strongly, and demand for tailored, on-premise training courses is also increasing. At the same time, the demand for managed training programmes is rising.

In general, the decision making for IT training is becoming more centralised in company training departments. This, in turn, is leading to major companies consolidating their buying among a small number of training vendors. Larger vendors clearly have an advantage when bidding for such large contracts, particularly as major companies also seek to outsource all, or part, of their training management to vendors.

Major players in the market are embarking on strategic actions to improve their ability to compete in the 2005 to 2010 period. This has resulted in companies changing their service offerings to clients and adapting their own internal operations. When facing clients, training providers are offering a wider range of training services (i.e. offering business and professional skills to IT staff, particularly project management); offering outsourcing and managed training services; and targeting the end user, rather than the IT professional, more aggressively.

Between 2005 and 2010, a modest recovery in IT training expenditure is anticipated. Over this period, the major growth sectors of the market will be e-learning and blended learning, managed services or outsourcing, end-user training and IT management courses.

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