As infrastructure evolves through digitisation, sustainability mandates, and AI-driven optimisation, the skills required to manage physical assets are changing rapidly. To remain resilient and competitive, organisations must not only hire for the future – they must build it by investing in upskilling and reskilling their workforce.
For employees, this means career mobility and relevance.
For employers, it means operational continuity, risk mitigation, and strategic growth.
What is Upskilling in Asset Management?
Upskilling refers to enhancing existing skills to help professionals stay relevant in their current roles or progress within the same career path.
In infrastructure asset management, this could mean:
- Gaining deeper expertise in ISO 55001-compliant systems.
- Learning to use digital twins or predictive maintenance tools.
- Advancing knowledge in lifecycle costing or asset risk modelling.
📊 78% of construction professionals believe upskilling is essential for adapting to industry changes. [gitnux.org]
What is Reskilling in Asset Management?
Reskilling involves acquiring entirely new skills to transition into different roles – often in response to automation, regulatory shifts, or strategic transformation.
Examples include:
- A maintenance technician retraining in asset data analytics.
- A facilities manager transitioning into ESG compliance.
- A project engineer moving into asset investment planning.
📊 Reskilling initiatives in construction have led to a 25% increase in project efficiency. [gitnux.org]
The IAM Competences Framework: A Structured Approach to Skills Development
The IAM Competences Framework defines the key purpose of asset management:
“To optimise the delivery and performance of physical assets.”
This is achieved through 7 Key Roles:
- Policy Development
- Strategy Development
- Asset Management Planning
- Implement Asset Management Plans
- Asset Management Capability Development
- Risk Management and Performance Improvement
- Asset Knowledge Management [theiam.org]
Each role is broken down into 27 Units of Competence, which are further subdivided into Elements of Competence – the level at which skills assessment and development planning occur.
This framework is aligned with ISO 55001 and BSI PAS 55, and is used for:
- Skills audits
- Recruitment and selection
- Training needs analysis
- Career planning
- CPD and performance management
IAM Qualifications: Building Professional Capability
The IAM Certificate and Diploma qualifications are globally recognised and aligned with the Competences Framework. They support professionals in:
- Understanding asset lifecycle principles
- Managing asset-related risks
- Translating technical decisions into business impact
- Aligning asset strategy with organisational goals [sa-institute.org], [www.assetm…cademy.com]
📊 Over 12,000 professionals across 70+ countries have taken IAM exams, with demand growing year-on-year. Over 60% of these were trained by the Asset Management Academy. [theiam.org]
Benefits of Upskilling and Reskilling in Infrastructure Asset Management
- Boosts Productivity and Performance
- BIM adoption has increased construction productivity by 15%.
- AI-driven project management tools have improved efficiency by 12%. [gitnux.org]
- Improves Retention and Job Satisfaction
- IAM qualifications support career progression and recognition.
- 66% of real estate professionals say reskilling improves job satisfaction. [zipdo.co]
- Reduces Turnover and Recruitment Costs
- Internal development is more cost-effective than external hiring.
- Reskilling programs reduce onboarding time by 30%. [gitnux.org]
- Fosters Workforce Agility
- 80% of construction firms report a skills gap in digital capabilities.
- Upskilling in green building techniques leads to a 12% wage premium. [gitnux.org]
- Closes Skills Gaps and Future-Proofs the Business
- IAM-aligned training ensures compliance, safety, and strategic alignment.
- 65% of real estate firms have increased investment in training. [zipdo.co]
How L&D Leaders Should Use the IAM Framework
- Conduct a Skills Audit
Use the IAM Competences Framework to map current capabilities against future needs. Identify gaps in:
- Asset risk management
- Lifecycle decision-making
- Asset knowledge systems
- Align Training with Strategic Asset Plans
Ensure training supports:
- ISO 55001 implementation
- ESG and climate resilience
- Digital transformation initiatives
- Personalise Learning Paths
Use IAM’s modular qualifications and CPD guidance to tailor development plans for:
- Engineers
- Facilities managers
- Asset planners
- Leverage Technology to Scale
Use LMS platforms with IAM-aligned content, gamification, and digital badging.
- Embed Continuous Learning
Recognise IAM certifications, encourage peer learning, and integrate development into performance reviews.
- Measure ROI
Track improvements in:
- Asset uptime
- Risk mitigation
- Employee retention and promotion
In summary
In infrastructure asset management, where physical assets meet strategic planning, upskilling and reskilling are essential. The IAM Competences Framework and qualifications provide a structured, internationally recognised path to building capability – ensuring your workforce is ready for the challenges ahead.
