Pluralsight + NASCIO: Driving workforce readiness in state and local government

Over the last decade, technology has profoundly transformed U.S. state, local government, and higher education (SLED). As digital landscapes evolve, a skilled workforce is crucial. Pluralsight has proudly supported state and local governments for a decade by partnering with NASCIO through sponsorships and workforce development initiatives. Explore the top ten tech trends reshaping public service, and see how Pluralsight helps leaders build resilient, future-ready teams.

 

1. Cybersecurity

Over the past 10 years cybersecurity has been the top priority for State CIOs, and that is unlikely to change as attacks on local governments and universities continue to increase in frequency and severity. States are standardizing cybersecurity principles, funding local defenses, and focusing on threat detection, identity and access management, and cyber awareness. This reflects a shift from reactive to proactive responses, highlighted by the rise of CISOs. Pluralsight aids local cyber readiness by upskilling IT staff, as seen in Tennessee, and offers hands-on labs to reduce "learn in prod" risks.

Pluralsight cybersecurity courses to get you started:

• Lab: Investigate a Security Incident in Azure

• Certification Exam Prep: CompTIA Security+ (SYO-701)

• Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence

2. Zero Trust

Zero Trust, a "never trust, always verify" cybersecurity model first introduced in 2010, gained traction in 2020 due to remote work challenges. It authenticates every user, device, and request, regardless of origin. This model protects diverse government agencies, legacy systems, and remote workforces, and it secures research and data in higher education. States are standardizing on Zero Trust, with CISA publishing specific guidance for SLTT "connected communities." Pluralsight aids Zero Trust implementation by upskilling IT staff in Identity and Access Management and offering hands-on labs, strengthening cyber readiness, and enabling comprehensive security strategies.

Pluralsight Zero Trust courses to get you started:

• Zero Trust Architecture Foundational Concepts

• Zero Trust Network Security

• Lab: Securing Cloud Applications with Identity Aware Proxy (IAP) using Zero-Trust

3. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) & automation

AI, once science fiction, is now vital. The pandemic accelerated its adoption, making it a strategic pillar for state, local, and higher education entities. AI/ML/RPA is a top CIO priority, with states moving from pilots to comprehensive policies, evidenced by nearly 100 AI measures enacted in 2025. Governments use automation for tasks from document processing to fraud detection, freeing staff for higher-level work. Pluralsight helps build AI-ready public workforces, providing practical guidance and skill paths, as seen with Tennessee's use of ARPA funds to upskill IT staff on GenAI.

Pluralsight AI courses to get you started:

• Generative AI Foundations: Agentic AI

• Lab: Introduction to Machine Learning

• Integrating AI Agents in Enterprise Systems

4. Digital services, constituent/user experience (CX/UX) & accessibility

Over the past decade, state and local governments have seen significant digital transformation in constituent services. In 2015, online government services were minimal and often difficult to use. The pandemic accelerated this shift. Digital government is now a top focus for CIOs. Governments are prioritizing moving essential services online to improve accessibility and efficiency, and to enhance citizen experience through intuitive interfaces and personalized communication to build trust. To meet this demand, state and local governments need workforces capable of developing, managing, and securing these digital platforms and interfaces. Pluralsight helps agencies upskill their employees for this challenge.

Pluralsight CX courses to get you started:

• Lab: Conversational Agents: Bot Building Basics

• Using Call Monitoring to Measure Quality

• UX Strategy Fundamentals

5. Cloud migration

In the past decade, cloud technology has evolved from an experiment to critical infrastructure. Initially viewed as risky, cloud adoption increased due to cost efficiency by 2019 and became essential for remote work in 2020. Moving core systems to the cloud offers scalable infrastructure, secure data storage, and supports remote and collaborative work, leading to cost savings and improved management. Pluralsight aids cloud modernization with role-based training in AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform, helping agencies transition to modern cloud platforms with reduced risk.

Pluralsight Cloud courses to get you started:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

• Azure AI Fundamentals

6. IT modernization

To combat "tech bloat" and "shelfware" from a decade of tech evolution, state and local governments are undertaking IT modernization programs. These efforts focus on replacing outdated systems with integrated, flexible, and scalable technologies like SaaS and low/no-code platforms, making "legacy modernization" a top priority for state CIOs. Pluralsight supports this by offering role-based training in SaaS and low/no-code approaches, accelerating transitions and reducing risk.

Pluralsight IT modernization courses to get you started:

• Lab: DevOps Automation and Infrastructure as Code: Working with Infrastructure as Code

• Low-code and no-code Automation: The Future of IT Admin Work?

• Infrastructure and Application Modernization with Google Cloud

7. Data management, analytics & interoperability

Effective AI and digital services rely on trusted, connected data. States are heavily investing in data governance, master data management, and analytics, increasing Chief Data Officers and formal data programs. Governments promote data-driven decisions using advanced analytics and open data for transparency, financial planning, and efficiency. Pluralsight helps organizations close data skills gaps, providing leaders with proficiency insights by team, role, and objective, ensuring training aligns with initiatives and develops data-capable workforces.

Pluralsight data management courses to get you started:

• Introduction to SQL

• Microsoft Power BI for Data Analysts

• Data Engineering Core Skills

8. Workforce development & talent management

SLED workforce development faces a consistent tech talent shortage, exacerbated by an aging workforce, hiring freezes, recessions, and pandemics. Technology transformations hinge on a skilled workforce, yet government agencies struggle to attract and retain tech talent. Pluralsight helps these organizations close skill gaps with hands-on labs, cyber ranges, and sandboxes, enabling them to upskill and cross-skill employees, thereby retaining valuable tech talent.

Pluralsight Workforce development courses to get you started:

• Tech, Talent, and the Future of the Workforce

• How to Effectively Lead a Remote Workforce

• Leadership Skills

9. Identity & Access Management (IAM)

Digital identity, including SSO, MFA, identity proofing, and role-based access, is crucial for secure service delivery and cybersecurity, with mDLs expanding and states prioritizing standardized login experiences. Pluralsight aids in developing the specialized skills needed for these IAM solutions, supporting cyber readiness and cloud modernization.

Pluralsight IAM courses to get you started:

• Identity and Access Management (IAM) Tools and Techniques

• Lab: Introduction to AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM)

• Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals: Identity and Access Management Solutions

10. Connectivity & smart infrastructure (IoT)

Once a novelty, "the internet of things" is now a strategic investment for SLED, particularly in smart infrastructure. Major drivers include the BEAD program for broadband, NG911 upgrades for public safety. Pluralsight offers hands-on labs and training to develop the workforce needed to build and manage these complex smart infrastructure and IoT solutions. 

Pluralsight IoT courses to get you started:

• 5G and IOT Explained

• Leverage AI and Emerging Technologies for Sustainable IT Operations

• Lab: Monitor and Troubleshoot an IoT Solution

Conclusion

The technological shifts of the past decade—from the pervasive threat of cyberattacks to the promise of AI and smart infrastructure—have fundamentally reshaped the operational landscape for state and local government. Navigating these transformations demands a highly skilled and adaptable workforce. Pluralsight stands as a vital partner in this journey, empowering SLED entities to build, refine, and maintain the expertise necessary to deliver secure, efficient, and innovative public services and educational experiences for years to come.