Why Learning and Upskilling Will Define Partner Success in 2026

by Lawrence Roberts
6 minutes read

Across nearly every profession, continuous training is a given. Pilots rely on simulators. Athletes refine their skills daily. Doctors renew certifications throughout their careers. Technology is no exception.

As expectations continue to evolve, the definition of a successful partner is changing. The partner of the future will not be defined by access to technology alone, but by the ability to apply it effectively, responsibly, and at scale. This shift reflects a broader move toward digital transformation — where expertise across AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity, and Data enables partners to deliver outcomes, not just products.

Deloitte research increasingly shows that future-ready organizations differentiate through skills, adaptability, and the ability to continuously evolve alongside their customers.

Achieving that level of impact requires more than innovation — it requires the ability to execute.

Where Skills Become the Differentiator

For many partners, innovation isn’t the constraint. Turning ideas into consistent execution is.

Insights from TD SYNNEX’s fourth annual Direction of Technology report reinforce this reality. Globally, 43% of partners cite talent shortages and skills gaps as the greatest obstacle to implementing AI solutions. Similar challenges extend across other high-growth areas, with 41% identifying skills limitations in data and analytics and 39.4% in cybersecurity initiatives.

At the same time, momentum is building. 37% of channel partners already offer AI training and enablement services, while another 37.1% plan to launch them within the next 12 months. In total, nearly 74% of partners worldwide are prioritizing AI-related upskilling for their teams and customers.

The message is clear: converting innovation into measurable value depends on skills readiness. According to Deloitte’s 2025 Global Human Capital Trends report, organizations are increasingly shifting toward skills-based workforce strategies to improve adaptability, resilience, and long-term performance.

Learning That Keeps Pace with Change

As technology advances, the way people learn must evolve alongside it. Traditional, one-time training models are giving way to approaches that better reflect how work actually happens — across teams, roles, and evolving business models.

When learning is embedded into daily execution, teams apply knowledge faster and deliver stronger outcomes. Industry research from LinkedIn demonstrates that organizations with strong cultures of continuous learning are better positioned to adapt, retain talent, and maintain competitive advantage. Capability development becomes continuous rather than episodic, enabling organizations to stay agile as priorities shift.

This evolution reflects a broader move toward skills-based enablement, where progress is increasingly measured by impact rather than completion alone. Research from McKinsey & Company highlights a growing shift toward learning embedded in the flow of work — enabling teams to build skills while solving real business challenges.

Why Capable Teams Outperform

Technology may set direction, but people determine results.

Organizations that invest in strengthening capability improve decision-making, reduce operational friction, and respond more effectively to change. As customer expectations shift toward integrated, outcome-driven solutions, teams equipped with the right skills gain a meaningful advantage.

Learning is no longer a support function — it is a strategic driver woven into how partners operate and compete.

Learning That Scales with Partner Ambitions

Becoming the partner of the future requires enablement that is consistent, adaptable, and built for scale. Learning should support leaders shaping strategy, teams driving revenue, and specialists delivering solutions — without adding unnecessary complexity.

This is where TD SYNNEX Channel Academy supports partner growth through specialized skills courses. These digital, self-paced courses support professionals across management, sales, marketing, and operational roles, spanning everything from foundational learning to advanced skill development. Learning paths are designed to encourage steady, practical progress:

  • Role-based learning builds practitioner-level expertise across security, infrastructure, hybrid cloud, and Data and AI.
  • Technology-based learning strengthens capabilities across AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and data.
  • Vendor-based learning equips teams to confidently quote, sell, and transact across leading technology ecosystems.
  • Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-focused learning supports responsible, sustainable solution design and delivery.

Together, these capabilities help partners move from awareness to execution — building confidence, consistency, and measurable business impact.

Building the Partner of the Future

Partners that invest intentionally in their people are better positioned to succeed. Capability development has become foundational to long-term relevance, resilience, and growth.

As the technology landscape continues to evolve, partners that embed learning into how they operate will be best positioned to lead, adapt, and deliver lasting value.

Turn learning into real business impact withTD SYNNEX Channel Academy— designed to help partners build skills, scale expertise, and drive growth.


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