Workera analysis of over 800 participants finds a 42% average proficiency gain in 13 days and surfaces hidden capabilities across the workforce

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Workera, the trusted skills data layer for the enterprise, today released findings from a leading global medical device manufacturer’s workforce transformation initiative, documenting measurable gains in learning velocity, proficiency, and capability maturity. The analysis, drawn from over 830 participants across structured upskilling programs, shows the company reached Workera’s highest performance tier, best-in-class learning velocity, while surfacing and developing previously hidden workforce capabilities at scale.

Medical device manufacturers face intensifying pressure to innovate faster while maintaining the safety and regulatory rigor that defines the sector. That demands a workforce that can move fluidly between established competencies and emerging technical capabilities, AI, cloud infrastructure, digital collaboration, without sacrificing precision or accountability. The challenge is widespread: the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 finds that 39% of workers’ core skills are expected to change by 2030, and 85% of employers plan to prioritize workforce upskilling by then. This manufacturer’s results show how verified capability measurement and personalized development can unlock both velocity and resilience.

“What this manufacturer achieved isn’t a faster training program, it’s a different operating speed for capability itself,” said Kian Katanforoosh, founder and CEO of Workera. “Their active participants moved from foundational to accomplished proficiency in under two months, roughly four times faster than typical industry rates. That kind of velocity doesn’t come from more content. It comes from verified measurement. When employees and leaders can see exactly where proficiency stands and where the gaps are, development stops being guesswork and starts being precise.”

The Transformation Results

Workera’s analysis examined verified capability across the company’s baseline proficiency, structured upskilling programs, and continuous learning pathways. The findings point to both strong execution and a repeatable model for enterprise skill transformation:

Best-in-class learning velocity: Active participants achieved a learning speed of +39 points per week, well above the industry average of 5–10 points per week. At that pace, employees moved from Beginning to Accomplished proficiency in under two months, placing the company in Workera’s highest tier: Level III (“Best-in-Class”).

Rapid, significant proficiency gains: Across all participants who took an initial assessment, studied, and reassessed, scores rose from an average of 168 to 239, a +42% improvement, in an average of just 13 days between assessments. The gains show that personalized development paths let employees focus on closing their specific skill gaps.

Program-level overachievement: While the platform-wide gain matched the +42% benchmark, the company’s core structured programs exceeded it:Core technical programs: +53% average score improvement per employee, in an average of 14 daysGlobal enterprise programs: +44% average score improvement per employee, in fewer than 15 daysCorrecting the self-assessment gap and reducing training waste: A persistent workforce challenge surfaced clearly in the data: employees routinely underestimate their own capabilities. Across cohorts, 78% of the broader employee population underrated their skills. By surfacing these hidden capabilities through objective measurement, the company avoided the redundant courses that drive most training waste, directing development only where it was actually needed and moving employees into high-value roles faster.

Full transformation in core power skills: The company drove Teamwork to Level 5 maturity (“Successful Transformation”), with 84% of assessed employees ranking as Accomplished and none remaining at the Beginning level. Foundational AI and leadership capabilities, including Generative AI Essentials (70% Accomplished) and Digital Leadership Fundamentals (67% Accomplished), crossed into Level 4 maturity (“Broad-Based Capability”), establishing a resilient, AI-ready cultural foundation.

Why This Matters for Medical Device Innovation

Medical device manufacturers operate under constraints many industries don’t: regulatory rigor, safety criticality, and the need to maintain established competencies while rapidly acquiring new ones. These results show those constraints and fast learning velocity are not in conflict.

Verified measurement enabled three outcomes:

Confidence in AI readiness: With 70% of the workforce at accomplished proficiency in Generative AI Essentials, the company can deploy AI-augmented workflows across product development, manufacturing, and operations, backed by decision-grade evidence that employees understand both capability and risk.

Precision in capability development: By measuring actual proficiency rather than course completion, the business identified who needed further development and who could move directly into high-impact roles, eliminating wasteful training cycles and shortening time-to-contribution.

Resilience through cultural alignment: Reaching Level 5 maturity in Teamwork across 84% of the workforce reflects something deeper than a metric, a culture where learning is embedded in how work happens, not layered on top of it. That foundation makes future capability transitions faster and more durable.

The Broader Implication

What this manufacturer achieved, moving from baseline to accomplished proficiency in a core capability in an average of 13 days, sets a new benchmark for enterprise upskilling. It challenges the assumption that workforce transformation is inherently slow, and shows that combining verified measurement, personalized development, and employee agency can accelerate learning velocity to four to five times industry norms without sacrificing quality or safety.

For medical device manufacturers balancing innovation speed with regulatory accountability, the insight is direct: the bottleneck to faster capability development isn’t employee capability. It’s clarity. When employees and leaders can see exactly what proficiency looks like and where gaps exist, development becomes efficient, measurable, and fast.

“The velocity here matters for every manufacturer and healthcare organization watching the AI transition,” Katanforoosh added. “Workforce transformation doesn’t have to be a 12-month program. It can be a two-month sprint, but only when you measure capability rigorously, personalize development precisely, and give employees clear proof of progress. In regulated industries especially, that combination is what makes speed and accountability compatible instead of opposed.”

To learn more about how Workera supports workforce transformation in medical device manufacturing and other regulated industries, visit workera.ai.

About Workera

Workera is the AI agent platform built to maximize human potential. Workera reads capabilities from the tools people already work in, verifies them continuously, and does so at scale. Our four purpose-built AI agents handle every talent decision: who to hire, who’s ready to move, where the gaps are, and how to close them. The newest, Ambient Coaching, surfaces skills intelligence in the flow of work. Trusted by the Fortune 100, Workera has been recognized by TIME’s Best EdTech Companies and World’s Top HRTech Companies in 2025 & 2026; the World Economic Forum’s Tech Pioneers; and Inc.’s 2025 Fastest Growing Companies. In 2024, Workera was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies alongside Microsoft, Canva, and others leading the AI revolution. Learn more at workera.ai.

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SOURCE Workera

FREDERICTON, NB, June 18, 2026 /CNW/ – Bulletproof announced today that it has been recognized by CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, on the 2026 CRN Solution Provider 500 list, the annual ranking of the top solution providers, VARs, systems integrators, strategic service providers, and IT consultants with operations in North America by revenue.

“The Solution Provider 500 list highlights those companies generating the highest revenue through leadership in business and service innovation,” said Jennifer Follett, Vice President, U.S. Content, Executive Editor at CRN, The Channel Company. “This recognition highlights those organizations that consistently demonstrate agility and sustained growth amid rapidly evolving industry demands and technological change. Congratulations to every company that earned a well-deserved place on this year’s Solution Provider 500.”

This achievement reflects Bulletproof’s continued momentum as a trusted technology partner delivering end-to-end IT solutions. For more than 20 years, Bulletproof has helped public and private sector organizations modernize, manage and optimize their technology environments while reducing risk and improving resilience. With deep Microsoft expertise and an integrated delivery model, Bulletproof helps customers turn complex technologies into practical scalable solutions that support operational efficiency and drive meaningful business outcomes.

“As organizations work to modernize infrastructure, strengthen security, and prepare for the next wave of AI-driven change, they need practical guidance and accountable execution. Said Guido Timmerman, President of Bulletproof. “This recognition underscores Bulletproof’s commitment to helping customers turn complex technologies into real business outcomes through deep expertise, integrated services, and a model built on one partner from strategy to execution.”

The full 2026 Solution Provider 500 list is available at crn.com/sp-500/

About The Channel Company  
The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world’s top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com. 

About Bulletproof
Bulletproof is a Microsoft Solutions Partner delivering end-to-end security, compliance, cloud, and modern work solutions to help organizations operate with confidence. 

For more than 20 years, Bulletproof has helped public and private sector organizations reduce risk, strengthen cyber resilience, and modernize and manage their technology environments. Our deep Microsoft expertise enables us to translate complex technologies into practical solutions that drive real business outcomes.  

Our award-winning team delivers managed IT and security services, 24/7 SOC monitoring, compliance and governance programs, cloud transformation, and professional services that support organizations at every stage of their journey. Bulletproof protects tens of thousands of client workstations across North America and beyond, empowering them to secure, comply, and grow with confidence. For more information visit: bulletproofsi.com.

SOURCE Bulletproof

New Sensory Support Chair Offers Targeted Lateral Motion for Calmer Regulation

CHICAGO, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ted Kangaroo, the sensory support brand known for creating premium but playful, functional tools that help children regulate, focus and thrive, is proud to announce the launch of the first-of-its-kind, patent-pending Sideways Rocker. The Sideways Rocker, developed through consultation with clinicians, is a beautifully designed sensory chair that fits into any home, classroom or clinic, providing a plush, inviting space for children to experience calming vestibular input through gentle, side-to-side motion. The Sideways Rocker’s launch coincides with the release of three additional products: the Smiling Critters Squeeze Seat, ExtraPlus Foam Sensory Chair and ExtraPlus CloudNest Triangle Chair. Each product is developed to provide targeted sensory input, building on Ted Kangaroo’s clinically informed, play-based approach.

“The Sideways Rocker combines real sensory science with a design kids love. Gentle lateral motion engages the vestibular system in a unique way that other products don’t, while the soft, supportive foam seat delivers proprioceptive calm to help them feel more grounded—an active, playful way for kids to self-regulate,” said Jacob Fisch, CEO and Founder of Ted Kangaroo. “Together with the Smiling Critters Squeeze Seat and our ExtraPlus line of shredded foam chairs, this expansion reflects what Ted Kangaroo is all about: turning complex sensory science into joyful, everyday tools that help children feel grounded and capable.”

Most chair-like sensory regulation products currently available allow for backward-forward rocking movement only. While many existing products offer side-to-side motion, they are typically open designs, like balance boards or canoes. Ted Kangaroo’s one-of-a-kind design integrates that same lateral movement into a supportive, contained seat, allowing children to experience calming motion while feeling secure and grounded.

Additional benefits of the Sideways Rocker include:

Deep Pressure Hug: The padded high-back and side-cushion design naturally cradles a child’s body, simulating a reassuring hug that reduces anxiety and sensory overloadImproves Focus: The rhythmic swaying helps channel restless energy, which is especially helpful for children with ADHD, autism or sensory processing needsVersatile Use: Ideal for classrooms, therapy rooms, or any calm-down corner in a home

“Side-to-side rocking activates a distinct set of vestibular receptors — lateral movement receptors — that forward-backward rocking simply doesn’t reach,” adds Lindsey Biel, M.A., OTR/L, and Ted Kangaroo Advisory Council Member. “The Sideways Rocker creates a unique opportunity to obtain that much-needed sensory input at home, at school, and in the OT clinic, making it a powerful tool for helping kids feel and function at their best.”

Highlights of the three additional new product releases include:

Smiling Critters Squeeze Seat

Designed for multi-position sitting, allowing children to rock gently back and forthCombines vestibular input with calming compression to support focus and reduce anxietyVarious sitting and rocking positions help children relax and enhance their mood

ExtraPlus Foam Sensory Chair

Filled with shredded foam for an ultra-soft, plush feel that molds to the body for adaptive supportCreates a cocoon-like environment that encourages self-soothingAllows kids to rock, bounce and snuggle for tactile and vestibular input

ExtraPlus Sensory Triangle Chair

Offers similar calming and supportive benefits to promote relaxation, focus and sensory regulationFilled with soft, shredded foam for a plush, sink-in feel with added structureBean bag-inspired design with more support, helping children feel secure while seated

Learn more and shop Ted Kangaroo sensory support rockers, seats, vests and more online at www.ted-kangaroo.com.

ABOUT TED KANGAROO

Ted Kangaroo is a sensory-support brand creating playful, functional tools that help nurture and support children so they can reach their full potential. Developed in collaboration with pediatric therapists, Ted Kangaroo products translate sensory science into accessible, everyday solutions for families, educators, and clinicians. From calming vests to tactile activity tools, each product blends gentle therapeutic support with joyful design—encouraging calmness, focus, and body awareness. More than a product line, Ted Kangaroo is a trusted partner in helping children build essential skills, navigate daily routines, and grow with confidence. Learn more at ted-kangaroo.com.

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SOURCE Ted Kangaroo