Adult training is changing fast. In 2025, people want learning that fits around their lives, feels relevant to their work, and helps them stay confident in a world where technology and responsibilities are shifting.

At Skewb Climate, we’ve already made big steps in the right direction with our immersive, gamified training. But new trends in the learning world show even more opportunities to build on what we do so well.

One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is the rise of microlearning—short, focused bits of training that take just a few minutes to complete. These are great for busy frontline teams who need information fast and in the moment. While our immersive scenarios already support practical, hands-on learning, we can start breaking some of that content into quicker bursts—like a five-minute module on handling a public complaint or checking equipment before a job. This would make learning more flexible and easy to revisit.

Another growing trend is the use of AI to personalise learning. AI systems can adapt training to suit each learner’s pace and preferences, helping them focus on what they need most. While this is still new territory, it’s something we’re exploring. Imagine if our training environments responded to a learner’s choices—nudging them to make better decisions based on how they handled a previous scenario. It’s a natural next step for our DNA model (Decision, Nudge, Action) and would make our modules even smarter and more effective.

What’s exciting is that many of the things others are just starting to talk about—we’re already doing. Gamification (using elements like points, levels, and challenges) is central to how we build engagement in tools like our virtual  Skewb Village. We already create realistic scenarios where learners make decisions and see the consequences—whether that’s managing a site safely, dealing with a customer, or working towards net-zero goals.

A great example of this is our recent work with Network Plus, where we transformed their induction programme into an interactive, scenario-based experience. Instead of sitting through hours of slides, new starters now walk through lifelike job situations, answer questions, and get feedback along the way. It makes learning feel real—and helps them hit the ground running with confidence.

We also see more focus on developing soft skills, like communication and leadership, alongside technical ones. Our immersive experiences are perfect for this. We can create situations where learners practise handling difficult conversations, managing a team, or responding to the public—all without real-world risk.

Another key area that’s gaining attention is climate and sustainability training. As organisations work toward carbon targets, there’s a need to boost awareness around greener ways of working. Because we can simulate different outcomes in our platforms, we’re in a great position to build climate-focused choices into everyday scenarios—like deciding between using electric or diesel vehicles or applying an environmental checklist before starting a job.

Finally, there’s a growing push for inclusive learning that works for everyone—whatever their background or learning style. This is something we already take seriously. Our content is built to support kinesthetic learners, and we’re constantly looking at ways to make our modules more accessible—whether that’s through language, screen-reader compatibility, or alternative formats.

All in all, the research and trends in adult learning show that we’re already ahead of the curve. But they also highlight opportunities for us to go even further. By combining what we do best with new ideas like AI personalisation and microlearning, we can continue to create future-ready training that delivers real impact—for learners, organisations, and the planet.

By Donna Davies

Donna Davies is Digital Education and Skills Lead at Skewb. To speak with her about this topic in more detail, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.