How do you train and upskill your network staff for SDN and NFV technologies?

1 Assess your current skills

Before you embark on any training or upskilling program, you need to assess your current skills and identify the gaps. SDN and NFV require a combination of technical, operational, and business skills. Technical skills include knowledge of network protocols, architectures, and standards, as well as programming, scripting, and automation tools. Operational skills include understanding of network security, performance, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Business skills include awareness of network services, requirements, and costs, as well as communication, collaboration, and innovation. You can use online assessments, surveys, interviews, or self-evaluations to measure your current skills and determine your learning objectives.

2 Choose your learning methods

There are many ways to learn and upskill for SDN and NFV technologies. You can choose from online courses, webinars, podcasts, blogs, books, white papers, or case studies. You can also opt for instructor-led training, workshops, boot camps, or certifications. You can also learn from your peers, mentors, or experts through forums, communities, or events. You can also experiment with your own projects, labs, or simulations. The best way to choose your learning methods is to align them with your learning style, goals, budget, and availability.

3 Apply your learning

Learning is not enough. You need to apply your learning to real-world scenarios and problems. You need to practice your skills and test your knowledge. You need to get feedback and improve your performance. You need to demonstrate your value and impact. You can apply your learning by participating in projects, tasks, or initiatives that involve SDN and NFV technologies. You can also create your own portfolio, blog, or presentation to showcase your work. You can also seek recognition, rewards, or promotions for your achievements.

4 Keep up with the trends

SDN and NFV technologies are constantly evolving and changing. You need to keep up with the trends and developments in the field. You need to update your skills and knowledge regularly. You need to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. You can keep up with the trends by following industry news, reports, or research. You can also join professional associations, networks, or groups that focus on SDN and NFV technologies. You can also attend conferences, webinars, or events that feature the latest insights, best practices, or innovations.

5 Foster a learning culture

Training and upskilling your network staff for SDN and NFV technologies is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing process that requires a culture of learning and support. You need to foster a learning culture that encourages curiosity, exploration, collaboration, and feedback. You need to provide resources, tools, and incentives for learning and upskilling. You need to recognize, reward, and celebrate learning achievements. You need to create a learning community that shares, learns, and grows together.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?