Skip navigation

What types of training do individual contributors need?

Here’s a look at the types of training that can empower individual contributors — especially Gen Z and early career employees.

A project manager is standing in front of his desk and project flipcharts holding a tablet while looking into the camera with a slight smile.A project manager is standing in front of his desk and project flipcharts holding a tablet while looking into the camera with a slight smile.

Table of contents

Insights from Ellen Raim, Founder of People MatterWe focus more on solving than preventing People problems.

Individual contributors (ICs) are crucial to the fabric of any organization.

Often the specialists, ICs can bring deep knowledge and expertise to their roles, driving their projects and the company forward. However, targeted training is essential to truly harness their potential and ensure their growth aligns with organizational goals.

Here’s a look at the types of training that can empower individual contributors — especially Gen Z and early career employees.

Accountability and productivity

Essential for individual and team success

Training that enhances accountability and productivity is fundamental for individual contributors. 

Training programs focused on accountability and productivity help ICs understand their impact on the larger team and organization, emphasizing the importance of meeting deadlines and delivering quality work. 

Accountability and productivity training should include time management techniques, goal-setting strategies and tools to foster self-motivation. By cultivating these skills, individual contributors can significantly boost their productivity and contribute to their team’s success.

Communication skills

The backbone of effective teamwork

Even though individual contributors might not always work in team settings, communication is still pivotal. Training that enhances verbal and written communication skills can dramatically improve how they convey ideas, provide feedback and collaborate with others.

Communication training should cover everything from crafting effective Slacks and emails to effective interpersonal communication, meeting facilitation and presentation skills. This training aids project progression and enhances collaboration across different areas of the business.

Thriving as an IC + managing up

Empowering self-navigation within your company

Understanding how to manage up and navigate their company's structure is crucial for individual contributors to thrive.

Training that teaches ICs how to effectively communicate with supervisors, advocate for themselves and understand the decision-making processes within their organization can empower them to take charge of their roles.

This type of training helps individual contributors align their work with strategic business goals and increases their visibility and impact.

Owning your own career

Charting a path for engagement through professional growth

Professional growth is a personal journey, and individual contributors should be encouraged to take ownership of their career paths.

Training programs focusing on career development, such as identifying skills gaps, setting long-term goals and exploring company advancement opportunities, are vital. These trainings motivate ICs and help retain top talent by showing a clear path to career progression and fulfillment.

The benefits of early training

Introducing training early in an individual contributor’s career can set a foundation for continued professional development and success.

Early training helps quickly align the individual’s goals with organizational objectives and instills a culture of learning and adaptability. Starting early means individual contributors are better prepared to handle complex challenges as they arise, making your ICs invaluable assets to their teams and the company.

Training individual contributors is about enhancing their current skills and preparing them for future roles and challenges. By investing in comprehensive training programs, organizations empower their employees and equip them to contribute more effectively to their teams and the company’s mission.

This strategic approach ensures that individual contributors feel valued and understood, which drives engagement, innovation and success.

Learn live. Adapt faster.

Latest resources

Learn more about creating a culture of learning throughout our resources below.

How to replace underused, pre-recorded learning libraries with high-impact learning
Electives team
 
Jul 11, 2025

How to replace underused, pre-recorded learning libraries with high-impact learning

Is your learning library delivering? Discover how live learning can drive engagement and results—without adding complexity to HR or People teams.
Learning best practices
National Management Training Week: 5 ways to make it count
Electives team
 
Jul 10, 2025

National Management Training Week: 5 ways to make it count

National Management Training Week is the perfect time to spotlight and support your managers. Explore 5 practical ways to activate the week without overloading your People team.
Leadership + management
How to use mid-year planning to sharpen your L&D strategy
Electives team
 
Jul 9, 2025

How to use mid-year planning to sharpen your L&D strategy

Mid-year is a great time to refocus your L&D strategy. Explore how to use H1 data, business priorities and behavior change goals to build learning programs that deliver impact.
Learning best practices
7 ways to build professional development programs employees want
Electives team
 
Jul 3, 2025

7 ways to build professional development programs employees want

Professional development should drive growth for employees and the business. Explore practical strategies to design programs that engage, motivate and deliver results.
Learning best practices
How great leaders keep teams engaged and performing at their best
Electives team
 
Jul 2, 2025

How great leaders keep teams engaged and performing at their best

Employee engagement starts with leadership. Explore practical ways leaders can strengthen motivation, trust, and performance through what they do every day.
Leadership + management
Workplace holidays to celebrate in August
Electives team
 
Jul 1, 2025

Workplace holidays to celebrate in August

We’ve curated a list of holidays for August to keep you in the loop on what’s most commonly celebrated. Plus, download our holiday calendar.
Culture + collaboration

View all posts

ENJOYABLE. EASY. EFFECTIVE.

Learning that works.

With live learning + AI simulations, Electives is a learning platform that makes it easy to design, execute and measure effectiveness.

Request a demo

Request a demo

Learn more

Learn more