By Lilian H. Hill
The Future of Jobs report (World Economic Forum, 2023) estimates that:
- 23% of jobs are expected to change by 2027, with 69 million new jobs created and 83 million eliminated.
- Over two-thirds of skills considered important in today’s job requirements will change five years from now.
- A third of the essential skills in 2025 will consist of technological competencies not yet considered crucial to today's job requirements.
- Among the 10 fastest-growing jobs, these include AI and machine learning specialists, information security analysts, data analytics and scientists, and digital transformational specialists.
- Among the 10 rapidly declining jobs include bank tellers, data entry clerks, cashiers, and material reporting and inventory managers.
Jobs that are growing the fastest did not exist in the past, while demand for familiar clerical roles is declining because that type of role will be replaced by digital technologies and artificial intelligence. According to Li (2022), “These new jobs are more adapted to the new division of labor between humans, machines, and algorithms” (p. 10). He concludes that “nearly every job will change, and the overwhelming majority of today’s employees will need to learn new skills” (p. 11). The result of the rapid transformation of business is that many industries, such as technology, data analysis, cybersecurity, and healthcare, are contending with skills shortages in critical areas.
Reskilling and Upskilling
Reskilling and upskilling for digital work environments have become increasingly crucial as technology reshapes industries and job requirements. Workforce training initiatives will help to address skills gaps by providing individuals with the training and education necessary to fill high-demand roles and support industry growth.
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Reskilling involves learning new skills or acquiring knowledge in a different field or industry to transition into a new job role or career path. It typically occurs when individuals need to pivot their careers due to changes in the job market, technological advancements, or shifts in industry demand. Reskilling allows individuals to leverage their existing skills while developing new competencies that align with emerging opportunities and market demands. |
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Upskilling refers to the process of acquiring new skills or enhancing existing skills to perform better in one's current job role or to prepare for advancement within the same field or industry. It involves gaining additional knowledge, competencies, or certifications related to one's profession or area of expertise. Upskilling enables individuals to stay relevant in their roles and adapt to changes in technology, industry trends, and job requirements. |
Need for Reskilling and Upskilling
Many industries face skill shortages in data analysis, cybersecurity, programming, and digital marketing. Reskilling and upskilling programs help bridge these skill gaps by providing workers with the necessary knowledge and expertise to succeed in today's dynamic and rapidly evolving work environment.
Factors prompting the need for reskilling and upskilling include:
- Rapid Technological Advancement: Technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, leading to the emergence of new tools, platforms, and systems. Reskilling and upskilling are necessary for individuals to keep up with these advancements and remain competitive in the job market.
- Changing Job Requirements: Automation and artificial intelligence are replacing or augmenting many traditional jobs. Reskilling and upskilling enable workers to adapt to changing job roles and requirements, ensuring continued relevance.
- Globalization and Digitalization of Work: The digital age has transformed how we work, with many tasks now being conducted remotely and collaboratively across borders. Digital literacy skills are essential for effectively navigating this globalized and digitalized work environment.
- Promoting Innovation and Creativity: Digital literacy skills enable individuals to explore new ideas, experiment with different technologies, and innovate in their respective fields. Reskilling and upskilling foster a culture of creativity and innovation within organizations.
- Future-Proofing Careers: In a rapidly changing job market, individuals need to future-proof their careers by continuously updating their skills and knowledge. Reskilling and upskilling ensure that workers remain adaptable and resilient in the face of technological disruptions and economic changes.
Responsibility for Reskilling and Upskilling
The responsibility for reskilling and upskilling in the context of digital
literacy can be shared between employers and employees, and it often depends on
the specific circumstances and dynamics of the organization. Many employers
recognize the importance of having a digitally literate workforce and investing
in training programs to upskill and reskill their employees.
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Employers can provide access to online courses, workshops, seminars, and other resources aimed at enhancing digital literacy skills. They can also create a supportive environment that encourages employees to continuously learn and develop their digital skills. |
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Employees should take ownership of their professional development and actively seek opportunities to improve their digital literacy skills. They can proactively identify areas where they need to reskill or upskill and take advantage of available resources to acquire new knowledge and abilities. Employees can also seek feedback from supervisors and colleagues to gauge their proficiency in digital literacy and identify areas for improvement. |
Ideally, employers and employees should collaborate to promote reskilling and upskilling in digital literacy. Employers can provide employees with the necessary resources, support, and incentives to enhance their digital skills. Employees, in turn, should demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and actively engage in opportunities to develop their digital literacy capabilities. Ultimately, both employers and employees benefit from a proficient workforce in digital literacy, as it enhances productivity, innovation, and competitiveness in today's digital economy.
Overall, reskilling and upskilling in the digital age are essential for individuals and organizations to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. By investing in continuous learning and professional development, individuals can unlock new opportunities and contribute to advancing their careers and industries.
Education for the Future of Work
Failure to address workers' educational needs will lead to millions of displaced workers and business entities being hampered by a lack of suitably prepared employees. Obstacles to creating reskilling and upskilling education include business leaders who lack vision or the skills to address workforce training needs and individuals who are unwilling to change because they do not understand the need or are fearful of learning new skills.
To prepare workers for Industry 4.0, Li (2022) proposed a collaborative educational ecosystem that would engage early childhood education, K-12 education, technical and vocational education, higher education, continuing education, workplace training, and nontraditional learning options, including self-study, certification programs, and seminars or conferences. To execute this initiative, unprecedented cooperation among business, education, government, and policy makers will be required.
References
Hall, J. (2023, February 24). Why Upskilling and Reskilling Are Essential In 2023. Forbes. Available https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnhall/2023/02/24/why-upskilling-and-reskilling-are-essential-in-2023/?sh=7fddaf7e4088
Li. L. (2022). Reskilling and Upskilling the Future‑ready Workforce for Industry 4.0 and Beyond. Information System Frontiers, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-022-10308-y
World Economic Forum (2023, May). The Future of Jobs Report 2023. Available https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2023.pdf
World Economic Forum (n.d.). Reskilling Revolution. Available https://initiatives.weforum.org/reskilling-revolution/home
