Learning and development
Learning is how we prepare for the future. By continuously developing skills, knowledge and capability, we help our people grow their careers, adapt to change and create lasting value for customers, communities and each other.
Why learning matters
Our business depends on the skills and capability of our people. Continuous learning helps us respond to change, develop future-ready expertise and meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Our approach
We follow a 70:20:10 approach to development, with 70% of learning gained through experience, 20% through coaching, mentoring and collaboration, and 10% through formal training. Our blended approach includes instructor-led training, digital learning and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, supported by pathways aligned to career stages, capability needs and business priorities. We are committed to making development accessible to everyone, with captions, transcripts and assistive technology compatibility built in.
Our focus areas
Early careers and Earn As You Learn
We create accessible pathways into technology careers through graduate and placement programmes, work experience, technical academies and industry partnerships. Our Earn As You Learn® programme combines a sponsored degree with paid employment and structured development, helping open opportunities for people who may not follow a traditional route into technology. We also partner with colleges to deliver T-Level placements and provide practical industry experience for emerging talent.
Related content: Early Careers at Kainos
Skills development
We invest in developing the skills our people need today and for the future. Specialist academies in areas including AI, data, engineering, user-centred design and product development support both early-career professionals and experienced colleagues looking to build new capabilities. Our learning platform provides on-demand learning, instructor-led programmes and curated development pathways across technical, consulting, business and leadership skills.
Coaching and mentoring
Coaching and mentoring are embedded throughout the employee experience. From buddying and mentoring in early careers programmes to coaching within leadership development, we help people learn through experience, feedback and connection with others. Employee networks, communities of practice and knowledge-sharing forums provide additional opportunities for collaboration, learning and professional growth.
Building future skills
Technology continues to evolve rapidly, and so do the skills our people and customers need. We continually invest in emerging capabilities, including AI, data and innovation, helping our people build the multidisciplinary skills required for the future. We also support professional development through certifications, professional memberships and further study opportunities.
Measuring impact
We measure learning and development through participation, learner feedback, engagement surveys and professional certification outcomes. We also consider indicators such as internal mobility, career progression and retention. Most importantly, we measure success through the application of learning in real work, helping our people grow their careers while delivering meaningful outcomes for customers and communities.