UPSKILLING: It has never been more important
Upskilling is the practice of enhancing and developing your current skills through extra education or training.Upskilling is a term well-known to business. In the micro context, It refers to the process of individuals learning new skills. On the macro level, it describes a tectonic shift in the workplace caused by technology. Technology has created new possibilities that can be fully realized only by a modernized workforce. That means the workforce must learn new skills and competencies that are required for new and/or changing jobs.
Why has upskilling suddenly become so important? Short answer: digital transformation.Upskilling comprises acquiring new skills, but it also calls for a cultural change and change management. In order to compete in the digital age, people and businesses need to adopt a learning-for-life mindset, collaborate with both people and robots, and be open to trying new things.Additionally, it calls for a global perspective, agile adaptation, awareness of cultural diversity, a global perspective, and a foundational understanding of technology and data analytics.
Skills Gap
The term “skills gap” describes the discrepancy between an employee’s actual skill set and the skills needed for a position. Employee may not be able to perform the full work due to a skills gap.’Skills shortages,’ and skills gaps’ are terms that we have all been accustomed to in recent years. The reason for this is because the global talent pool clearly lacks certain skills. Staff who are unable to manage their responsibilities or complete tasks given to them may result from skills gaps in the workplace. Moreover, workers may be unable to carry out their responsibilities if they have a large skill gap. Estimates suggest that by 2030, nearly 20% of the workforce will be significantly under-skilled for their jobs. As a result, many could find themselves being less productive in their work, less satisfied with it, or even out of work completely. Right now, it can mean that finding an appropriate job in a relevant industry is more difficult.
Overcoming the skills gap
A key to finding any solution is to thoroughly understand the problem. Although there is a skills gap, organizations need to conduct a skills gap analysis to determine exactly which gaps need to be filled. Organizations can accomplish this in three ways:
Identify core competencies throughout the organization – Align on the abilities that are most needed or appreciated by the leadership at all levels by gathering their input. Accurately analyze and pinpoint the skills needed across the organization, compare all the information to company values, job descriptions, and estimations.
Measure the present skills in the organization by looking at performance metrics and reviews and making sure that data is consistently collected.
Create an action plan – After analyzing the skills that are needed and the skills that the company presently possesses, the next step is to create an action plan by altering the recruitment strategy and generating possibilities for reskilling and upskilling.
Even though digital skills are gaining prominence, soft skills are still in high demand. For instance, according to McKinsey, the most important skills today and in the future are heavily soft skills-based. Top skills include:
References;
https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/what-is-the-skills-gap
