The World Is Changing. Trailblazers Are Ready.

When a pandemic changed the world, the Trailblazer Community was ready. A recent study from Valoir found that in the midst of crisis, Trailhead was there to help Trailblazers skill up, collaborate, and be productive.

Heading into 2020, Trailhead had already connected more than two million Salesforce learners, providing a community for Trailblazers to learn in-demand skills, earn resume-worthy credentials, and connect to opportunities.

In March, the world completely shifted in response to COVID-19, unemployment rates skyrocketed globally, businesses pivoted to an all-remote workforce, and people were told to stay at home.

At the same time, we also saw an increase in demand for Trailhead, as more people looked to acquire the new skills needed for an evolving digital world.

Trailhead has never been more relevant than it is today, and I was thrilled and honored to join Trailhead as the new General Manager in September. While I am new to the role, I’m not new to Salesforce or our incredible Trailblazer Community.

Over the last 8 years, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with and learning from so many of you around the world, and I look forward to doing even more in the future.

Coming together is more important than ever before, and my favorite part of this new job has been seeing how Trailblazers are building a more inclusive future and helping each other succeed in this new normal.

🌟 Pro Tip: Discover how you can skill up and connect from anywhere with Trailhead. Watch the Trailblazers Innovate: Trailhead — New Skills for the New Normal episode for new product features, a sneak peek at our roadmap, and to hear from inspiring Trailblazer Brian Owens.

A recent study from Valoir, a research firm that focuses on the relationship between people and technology, discovered that through Trailhead, Salesforce has proved to be a leader in the remote learning space during these uncertain times.

Learn in-demand skills for the jobs of the future

Trailhead is life-changing for many Trailblazers. And the data from Valoir backs this up.

Trailhead has a clear economic impact for Trailblazers — 50% of learners have picked up skills that directly led to a promotion or raise, and 1 in 5 reported a salary increase of more than 20%. For one-third of learners, Trailhead supported a career change.

“If it wasn’t for Trailhead, I wouldn’t have learned Salesforce. And if I hadn’t learned Salesforce, I wouldn’t have had my last three jobs.”

As the pandemic continues to drive accelerated digital transformation, Trailhead is helping Trailblazers prepare for what comes next in our ever-changing world.

Trailhead enables learners to skill up for the future, ensuring they have the relevant skills that their companies need to go digital fast.

Helping Trailblazers pivot to a work-from-anywhere world

While COVID-19 forced many to reevaluate their careers and find new ways to stay connected, Trailhead was uniquely positioned to empower anyone to pivot to a work-from-home — or work-from-anywhere — world.

As your workplace evolves and you find yourself on your laptop in your comfy clothes on your couch, rather than in business attire clocking in at your office everyday, you may find you’re actually more productive.

“The trails related to being more productive and focused during work from home on Trailhead helped me a lot.”

The Valoir study found that two-thirds of learners believe Trailhead made them more productive during the pandemic, reporting an increase in productivity of 8%.

The self-paced learning of Trailhead gives Trailblazers something they may not have in other parts of their lives due to the pandemic: control. Despite uncertainty in the world around you, taking control of your career by learning at your own pace is easier than ever.

And, by harnessing the learning power of Trailhead, you make yourself more marketable in the process.

Want to skill up from your phone? Check out the Trailhead GO mobile app. Want an expert-led live class? Attend a Trailhead Virtual Bootcamp. Don’t have time right now? No problem, simply log on and watch on-demand videos from Trailhead experts with Trailhead LIVE.

More than just tech

Trailhead isn’t just for Salesforce Admins, software developers, and data analysts. While the platform was originally created for people to learn Salesforce skills, the content has evolved to reach far beyond this into essential non-tech skills, too.

The Valoir study found that more than 50% of learners logged on to acquire non-technical skills, such as career development, leadership, and workplace equality.

There’s even a valuable Succeed from Anywhere During COVID-19 trail on how to set up a home office, be productive, and stay motivated during these challenging times!

These skills will only become more valuable as you look to develop yourself into a more well-rounded professional and stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

Empowering Trailblazers to connect from anywhere

In the best of times, our Trailblazers achieve amazing success in their careers, give back to the communities they love, and lift others up. The Trailblazer Community is family, an Ohana, and they want to see each other succeed.

I’ve been amazed to see how many Trailblazers have stepped up to help others learn, connect, and stay healthy as we combat this massive health and economic crisis together.

“I think the best thing about our Trailblazer Community is that they give back and help each other succeed.”

🌟 Pro Tip: Be inspired to use your own skills to help others by reading this #Trailheart filled Spotlight on Trailblazers Doing Good During Tough Times blog post.

According to the Valoir study, 54% of Trailhead learners connected with other Trailblazers one-on-one, and 50% participated in Salesforce LIVE sessions — which give the feel of a live, in-person event the world is missing right now.

80% agree that Trailhead is more collaborative than other developer communities, and 77% say that Salesforce Developers are more likely to share code and advice to help each other, compared to other similar groups.

Especially during this time when many people need support, both emotional and professional, Trailblazers are happy to share their experiences with others.

Said one user, simply, “Others have helped me, and I think it’s the right thing to do.”

Trailblazers are ready to succeed

I’m proud to be working with a team that has helped build a community of motivated, supportive, and tech-savvy people — Trailblazers who will be the drivers and leaders in the economy moving forward.

Trailhead is perfectly positioned to be a key resource for millions of learners during this global shift in workplace culture. As the world turns to digital transformation and more virtual careers, Trailblazers are ready to succeed.

Together, we’ll help everyone build their careers in the Salesforce ecosystem.

But don’t just take our word for it — check out the full Valoir study results and get learning with Trailhead.