Key Digital Skills for Virtual Assistants in 2025: Insights from the LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report

Jul 4

In a world where technology evolves at lightning speed and the future of work is reshaped daily, the question isn’t just how to keep up — it’s how to get ahead. For virtual assistants, mastering the right digital skills is no longer optional; it’s the key to standing out and thriving in 2025 and beyond.

The LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report 2025 reveals groundbreaking insights about the skills and career development trends that are transforming the workplace. It shows that those who embrace continuous learning, agility, and cutting-edge technologies like AI will unlock new opportunities and career growth like never before.

At Avila, we dive into these insights to help you understand exactly which digital skills will make you a sought-after virtual assistant — and how you can start building them today.

Advanced Digital Literacy and Continuous Learning Are Non-Negotiable

The report stresses that “advanced digital literacy is critical — it’s not just about using basic tools, but about quickly learning new technologies and critically evaluating digital information to make informed decisions” (p. 12). This means that virtual assistant training today must equip VAs not only with administrative skills but also with the ability to adapt rapidly to new software, AI, and automation tools.

Moreover, the report reveals that 91% of learning and development professionals agree that ongoing learning is more important than ever for career success (p. 9). This underscores the importance of maintaining a growth mindset and regularly updating your skillset to stay competitive.

Career Development Champions Lead the Way in AI Adoption and Retention

One of the most striking findings is the rise of so-called Career Champions — organizations that prioritize career development and internal mobility. These companies outperform others in profitability, employee retention, and adoption of AI technologies.

51% of Career Champions describe themselves as accelerating or leading in generative AI adoption, compared to only 36% of other companies (p. 6).
Companies with strong internal mobility programs retain critical talent better and reduce loss of strategic skills.
Investing in career development builds loyalty and innovation, as career progress is the number one motivation for learning.

For virtual assistants, this means that continuously developing skills—especially in AI and automation—is a key strategy to stand out and secure better opportunities.

Practical Examples of Learning Innovation from Industry Leaders

The report highlights inspiring real-world cases of companies innovating in learning and development:

VISA uses AI-powered coaching simulations to help sales teams practice pitches with instant feedback, boosting confidence by 78%.
Amazon offers prepaid tuition and professional courses to frontline workers, enabling career growth despite barriers.
Zillow focuses on soft skills training like inclusive leadership and communication for fully remote teams, reducing turnover and increasing diversity.
Teradyne revamped its training cycles from 12 months to iterative 45-day sprints, adjusting content weekly based on feedback and usage data for greater agility.

These examples show how embracing agile, personalized, and AI-supported learning approaches can dramatically improve skill acquisition and career development—lessons that virtual assistants can apply in their own professional growth.

How Avila Supports Virtual Assistant Career Growth

At Avila, we are proud to foster a community where virtual assistants are encouraged to embrace continuous learning and adapt to emerging technologies. We connect talented VAs with companies that value innovation and professional development, helping them grow their careers in a dynamic digital environment.

We believe that by empowering virtual assistants with access to the latest tools and trends, we contribute to building a workforce ready for the future of work.

Looking Ahead: The Best Virtual Assistant Training Courses for 2025

To help you on your journey, soon we will publish a detailed blog featuring the best virtual assistant training courses of 2025. This guide will include top-rated programs, free and paid options, and recommendations on how to choose the right training to boost your skills and career growth.

Stay tuned to Avila’s blog for this upcoming resource designed to help you become a better virtual assistant and thrive in the evolving digital landscape.