As we look toward 2026, the landscape of training and skills development is evolving faster than ever. For companies like ours at Training Portal, and for anyone serious about helping people grow, 2026 won’t be business as usual. Artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and changing workforce needs are reshaping how we learn, what we learn, and how quickly we need to adapt. If you thought training could wait until next quarter, think again.

The world is moving, and so must we. But before you panic and imagine your entire training department being replaced by a friendly AI robot, take a breath. 2026 isn’t about replacing humans; it’s about amplifying human potential.

Learning in the Age of AI

AI has stopped being just a buzzword. In South Africa and across the globe, organisations are demanding AI skills, digital literacy, and cybersecurity expertise more than ever. And it’s not just the tech team; AI touches every role now, from finance to logistics to customer service.

Training in 2026 will be smarter, faster, and more personalised. Imagine a learning assistant that knows exactly where an employee is struggling, offers a helpful nudge or a five-minute micro-lesson, and tracks progress automatically. That’s not science fiction. That’s 2026. And for us as trainers, it’s liberating: AI can handle repetitive content delivery, freeing humans to coach, mentor, and guide learners in ways that technology simply can’t replicate.

Bite-Sized Learning for Busy Lives

Let’s face it; we’re all busy. The days of expecting employees to sit through hour-long workshops or marathon webinars are fading. The future is microlearning: quick, focused modules that fit into the flow of work. Whether it’s a three-minute video on how to handle a tricky customer call or a short interactive scenario on problem-solving, learning is becoming part of the day-to-day rather than a separate event.

Mobile-first approaches are particularly crucial in South Africa, where smartphones are ubiquitous, and learners need access on the go. Training that’s flexible, relevant, and available anywhere is no longer optional; it’s expected.

Immersive Experiences: Learn by Doing

VR, AR, and simulations are moving from novelty to necessity. In sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, mining, and technical trades, immersive training allows employees to practice skills safely before stepping into the real world. Mistakes in VR don’t cost lives or production hours, and the lessons stick.

For us at Training Portal, this means embracing new ways to make learning hands-on, interactive, and impactful. It’s about creating experiences that employees remember, not just checklists they forget by Monday.

The Human Factor

Even as AI and technology take over repetitive tasks, soft skills remain more important than ever. Emotional intelligence, communication, collaboration, and adaptability are the areas where humans will always have the edge. In fact, as work becomes more automated, the unique human skills become the differentiator.

2026 is the year we double down on human-centered learning. Technical skills may get someone in the door, but soft skills keep them thriving, innovating, and leading. And yes, no AI can replace the awkward charm of a good in-person icebreaker session.

Measure What Matters

Gone are the days when training was about participation rates and certificates. Nowadays, organisations want proof: measurable outcomes, skill improvements, and tangible business impact. Learning Management Systems will provide data insights like never before, helping trainers and managers understand not just if employees completed a course, but if they’ve learned and applied the skills.

Training Portal welcomes this exciting opportunity, and so should you. We can move beyond traditional delivery and become strategic partners, showing real value in every learning programme we create.

What This Means for South Africa

The South African economy is evolving rapidly. Technology is taking over in unexpected sectors, and industries like mining, agriculture, and manufacturing are booming with new opportunities. This makes skills development more critical than ever.

However, accessibility remains key. Mobile-friendly, microlearning modules, blended with immersive experiences and human guidance, will help learners across South Africa thrive, regardless of location or industry. We are already helping to close this gap at our Kathu Community Campus, where we offer free rapid learning courses to community members. Read more about it here.

Looking Ahead: How Training Portal is Preparing

At Training Portal, we are ready to embrace these trends. We’re auditing our courses to modularize content for microlearning. We’re exploring AI-enabled platforms to deliver personalised learning experiences. Click here to browse our full range of available courses.

And we’re expanding our focus on soft skills, ensuring learners are not only technically competent but also adaptive, resilient, and collaborative.

Above all, we’re keeping human touch at the center. Technology is a tool (not a replacement) for human mentorship, guidance, and creativity. The best learning happens when the heart, mind, and machine come together.

So, as 2026 approaches, here’s our message to companies and learners alike: keep your eyes open, embrace change, and be ready to learn in ways you never imagined. The future of training is exciting, fast-moving, and full of opportunities. And with the right balance of technology and humanity, it’s going to be our most impactful year yet.

Want to work with Training Portal in 2026? Contact us at info@trainingportal.co.za.

Authors: Liza Du Preez and Melissa Mostert