In today’s modern workforce, keeping up with industry changes and understanding new concepts like upskilling is crucial. The question, “What is upskilling?” becomes increasingly important as technology and job requirements evolve. Upskilling refers to the process of learning new skills or improving existing ones to remain competitive in your field.
This proactive approach is essential for both individuals looking to advance their careers and employers seeking to maintain a versatile and knowledgeable workforce. By embracing upskilling, professionals can ensure they are prepared for the future, adapting to new challenges and opportunities as they arise.
Table of Contents
- What is Upskilling?
- Why Learning New Skills is Important
- Benefits of Upskilling
- How to Upskill
- Upskilling vs. Reskilling
- Upskilling in Education
- Elevate Your Career with National University
What is Upskilling?
Upskilling refers to the process of learning new and advanced skills that enhance your current role. It involves deepening your knowledge and expertise in your industry, often through gaining experience or additional training. Think of it as “leveling up” your professional abilities to stay competitive and proficient in your job.
Why Learning New Skills is Important
That’s simple: careers and opportunities. Broadly speaking, a 2017 CareerBuilder survey found that 68 percent of employers who sought new employees in Q1 had job openings they could not find qualified candidates for. The pandemic has only exacerbated this skills gap, with increased emphasis on digital skills and, for a time, reduced access to training. According to a Salesforce survey, 59 percent of employees report having less access to workplace learning since the pandemic began.
This is all as the market evolves toward increased use of artificial intelligence and automated services, with McKinsey Global Institute projecting in 2017 that 14 percent of the global workforce will need to be upskilled or reskilled by 2030. That’s 375 million workers who could be left behind. These two concepts of upskilling, then, are connected—to evolve into the modern workforce with all its tectonic shifts, many will have to learn new skills. Consider it part of a lifelong education.
Benefits of Upskilling
Upskilling offers rich personal growth and prepares employees for career advancement. Technology skills are not limited to the IT department anymore, and for education professions, the pandemic has highlighted the need for digital readiness and continued adaptation to preferred learning styles.
For employers, whether in business or education, upskilling goes beyond the certain benefit of having workplace functions met. Employees are increasingly wanting more from their on-the-job experiences, expecting not just a paycheck but a learning opportunity. Upskilling boosts productivity, employee retention, the ability of one employee to train others, and, by extension of all the above, boosts the bottom line and educational outcomes.
Also of note: Employees may benefit from both upskilling and cross-skilling, which is the acquisition of a second core competency on the job. When you develop new skills or a higher degree of competency in your current role, it can significantly enhance your career prospects. Cross-skilling could be part of a more comprehensive approach to upskilling, empowering employees to understand other roles in the company or institution and see the bigger picture from a different point of view.
How to Upskill
There are various options for upskilling employees, all of which will depend on their preferences and employers’ resources. One common and attractive approach is to offer tuition reimbursement—whether partial or full. For some employees, this will mean gaining depth and breadth from the full-time programs of reputable academic institutions and, thus, bringing in a valuable outside perspective.
For others, this will mean participating in certificate programs that are more narrowly focused but offer that same level of depth. In education, this might mean a certificate program in administrative services or multiple-subject teaching.
Free Upskilling Resources
Upskilling doesn’t have to be costly. Many high-quality resources are available online for free, allowing you to enhance your skills without financial burden. Here are five excellent free upskilling opportunities:
1. Coursera
Coursera offers free online courses from top universities and institutions worldwide. With a catalog of over 3,800 courses, you can learn at your own pace on a wide range of topics, from technology and data science to business and personal development. Many courses also provide free certificates upon completion, adding value to your resume.
2. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning provides a vast library of courses covering business, technology, and creative skills. While the platform typically requires a subscription, you can access many courses for free through trials or promotions. Completing these courses can enhance your LinkedIn profile, showcasing your new skills to potential employers.
3. Google Digital Garage
Google’s Digital Garage offers free courses in digital marketing, data, and technology. The platform provides a tailored learning experience, with courses designed to improve your digital skills. Upon completing a course, you receive a certificate endorsed by Google, which can be a valuable addition to your professional credentials.
4. edX
Founded by Harvard and MIT, edX offers free courses from top universities and industry leaders. With over 20 million learners worldwide, edX provides courses in various fields, including computer science, engineering, and the humanities. Free certificates are often available, allowing you to demonstrate your learning achievements.
5. Skillshare
Skillshare offers thousands of free classes across various categories, including design, business, technology, and more. While a subscription is required for unlimited access, many courses are available for free, and new users can often access a free trial period. This platform is ideal for exploring creative skills or expanding your professional expertise.
6. YouTube Learning
YouTube Learning features educational content from creators like Khan Academy and BBC Bitesize. You can explore channels and playlists organized by subject area, covering topics such as science, math, and the humanities. This free resource is great for visual and auditory learners who prefer a more informal learning environment.
These resources provide a wealth of knowledge and opportunities to advance your skills without any cost. Embrace these free tools to enhance your career prospects and stay competitive in today’s ever-changing job market.
Upskilling through Professional Associations
Joining a professional association can be an excellent way to upskill and stay competitive in your field. These associations offer a wealth of resources designed to enhance your knowledge and skills. By becoming a member, you gain access to specialized training programs, webinars, and workshops that cover the latest industry trends and best practices. Additionally, professional associations provide valuable networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders who can offer insights and guidance.
Many associations also offer certifications and credentials that can boost your qualifications and open new career opportunities. Overall, being part of a professional association not only keeps you informed but also helps you grow and excel in your career.
Upskilling vs. Reskilling
Upskilling and reskilling are two distinct approaches to skill development in the workplace. Upskilling involves enhancing current skills or acquiring new ones to advance in a specific field or adapt to emerging trends. It’s about building on existing knowledge to stay competitive, such as learning advanced data analytics for a marketing professional.
On the other hand, reskilling refers to learning entirely new skills for a different job or career path. This often occurs when industry changes make certain roles obsolete, requiring workers to pivot into new areas. For example, a factory worker transitioning to a role in digital marketing would be reskilling.
Upskilling in Education
A popular upskilling strategy in education, to cite one field that has long grown accustomed to upskilling, is for practicing teachers to enroll in graduate-level or certificate-based programs offered by academic institutions. Teaching is one notable area where there is a shortage and, thus, a skills gap. As Baby Boomers reach retirement, teacher retention wanes, and fewer young people take an interest in the career field; it becomes more important than ever that those who are teaching deliver a high-quality education to students. Accessible online upskilling programs and mentorships help retain teachers and recruit new ones.
Other teachers seek master’s degrees in specialized areas to round out their bachelor’s expertise—for example, a master’s degree in special education to complement existing specialties in early education. This helps reduce the shortage of qualified teachers in the workforce while fulfilling teachers’ needs and expanding their networks through academic pursuits. Some teachers, meanwhile, seek out additional training to improve soft skills like communication.
Teachers learn best practices for communicating with teachers and students, including communication tools and methods for managing conflict—say, a parent who becomes defensive toward a critique of their child’s behavior. These soft skills also include cultural awareness and learning to be more inclusive of marginalized groups and those who speak languages other than English.
Teachers are notorious for their interest in continual learning; it’s one of the first qualities new teachers identify in themselves when joining the profession. The pandemic will only speed up the new kinds of upskilling that will be needed for education, including expectations for camera use, small group instruction, and how to address learning gaps.
Elevate Your Career with National University
In an ever-evolving job market, staying competitive means continually enhancing your skills and knowledge. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role, pivot to a new career, or simply stay updated with the latest industry trends, upskilling is essential. By taking proactive steps to learn new skills, you not only increase your value as a professional but also open up new opportunities for career growth.
At National University, we offer a wide range of degree programs, certificates, and certifications designed to help you achieve your career goals. Our programs are tailored to meet the needs of today’s professionals, providing practical, real-world knowledge that can be applied immediately in your career. Whether you’re interested in technology, business, education, or healthcare, we have options that can help you build the expertise you need to succeed.
Take the next step in your professional journey by exploring our offerings at National University. Enroll in a program today and empower yourself with the skills and knowledge to excel in your field. Remember, the best investment you can make is in yourself and your future. Embrace upskilling and be prepared for whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead.
FAQs
Skilling programs are structured learning experiences designed to develop specific skills or competencies. These programs can range from short courses to comprehensive training sessions, often offered by educational institutions, professional organizations, or employers. Skilling programs are tailored to meet the needs of individuals looking to enhance their abilities in particular areas, such as digital marketing, project management, or data analysis. They provide a focused pathway for acquiring new knowledge and skills, helping participants stay competitive in their fields.
Skilling initiatives are organized efforts, often led by governments, organizations, or companies, aimed at improving the skill sets of a workforce. These initiatives can include funding for education and training programs, partnerships with educational institutions, and the development of industry-specific skills. Skilling initiatives are typically part of broader economic or social strategies to address skill gaps, enhance employability, and boost productivity. For example, a government might launch a skilling initiative to promote digital literacy among citizens, or a company might create a program to train employees in advanced technical skills.
An example of upskilling is a marketing professional learning advanced data analytics. By developing skills in data analytics, the marketer can better understand consumer behavior, optimize campaigns, and make data-driven decisions. This upskilling allows the professional to enhance their current role, stay competitive, and potentially advance to higher positions within the company. Other examples include teachers taking courses in digital education tools or IT professionals learning new programming languages.
Business and management are powerful industries, and projected salary reflects that. Employees with postgraduate business and management qualifications have reported significant salary growth.