Discover What Does Upskilling Mean in 2023

The more I speak with people, the more I realize that people don’t know the answer to the question, “what does upskilling mean?”

So today, we’re going to answer it and give you some options to help you upskill yourself. 

Introduction: What Does “Upskilling” Mean?

“Upskilling” refers to acquiring new skills or improving existing ones to enhance career development or job performance. 

It is an invaluable aspect of personal and professional growth, and it will continue to be increasingly vital over the next decade. 

Upskilling has changed in the last three decades, as has how it has typically been used.  

Who needs to upskill and why are just as important as ever in addition to the resources used for retaining long-term new skills.

How Upskilling Has Changed in the Last Three Decades

Upskilling was often seen as something that only specific individuals needed to do.

For example, workers in fast-changing industries or those who wanted to move up the career ladder might have been more likely to pursue upskilling opportunities.

However, in recent years, the importance of upskilling has become more widely recognized, and workers now see it in all industries.

One of the main reasons for this shift is the increasing pace of technological change.

In the past three decades, we have seen the development and widespread adoption of new technologies such as the internet, mobile devices, and artificial intelligence.

These technologies have transformed how we work and communicate and have also made many traditional jobs obsolete.

Workers must continually adapt and learn new skills to stay relevant and competitive in the job market.

So when people ask what does upskilling mean, they should also consider the types of upskilling typically used.

Types of Upskilling Typically Used

There are many ways to upskill, and the most appropriate method will depend on an individual’s goals and needs.

Some common ways to upskill include:

• Formal education and training programs: This can include degree programs, certificate programs, and professional development courses.

Universities, vocational schools, and professional organizations often offer these programs.

• On-the-job learning: Many workers learn new skills through hands-on work experience.

This can include things like internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training programs.

• Self-directed learning: Some workers prefer a more self-directed approach to upskilling.

This can involve online courses, workshops, and reading books and articles on topics of interest.

Who Needs to Upskill and Why

It was often assumed that only certain workers needed to upskill.

For example, those in fast-changing industries or those who wanted to move up the career ladder might have been more likely to pursue upskilling opportunities.

However, in today’s rapidly changing job market, it is crucial for all workers to upskill in order to stay relevant and competitive continuously.

There are several reasons upskilling is significant for all workers:

1. Technological change: the pace of technological change is increasing, which is likely to continue.

Many traditional jobs will become obsolete, and workers will need to learn new skills to stay relevant.

2. Automation: Artificial intelligence and automation are changing how many jobs are performed, which is likely to continue.

While AI may replace some jobs, others require workers to learn new skills to work alongside AI.

3. Competition: With the rise of globalization and the increasing mobility of the workforce, competition for jobs is becoming more intense.

In this environment, it is necessary for workers to upskill to stand out from the competition continuously.

4. Personal and professional growth: Upskilling is not just about staying competitive in the job market.

It is also about personal and professional growth.

Learning new skills can help individuals expand their knowledge and expertise and also help them feel more confident and capable in their work.

Justifying the Need to Upskill Even Though AI Can Replace Some Skills

Although AI and automation are changing how many jobs are performed, it is important to note that they are not replacing all jobs.

In fact, many experts believe that AI and automation will create new job opportunities, particularly in fields such as data science and machine learning.

In addition, even in fields where AI is replacing some tasks, still many skills are difficult or impossible to automate.

These include skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and communication, which are all essential for success in the modern workforce.

To illustrate this point, consider the following data from a recent study by the World Economic Forum:

According to the study, by 2025, 85% of jobs that exist today will still require human skills, such as social skills, critical thinking, and creativity.

Only 15% of jobs will require skills that are easily automatable, such as data collection and processing.

Although these numbers suggest that while AI may replace some skills, the vast majority of jobs will still require human skills that are difficult or impossible to automate.

That’s why it’s detrimental for workers to upskill to stay competitive in the job market.

Next, when people as what does upskilling mean, they must also factor in what resources to use when attempting to retain the information. 

Resources for Retaining Long-Term Memory on New Skills

Learning a new skill is only half the battle.

It is also essential to retain that skill over the long term.

Here are some resources that can help employees retain long-term memory of the skills they have learned:

Spaced repetition software: This software helps individuals retain new information by presenting it at intervals spaced out over time.

Some popular spaced repetition software tools include Anki, SuperMemo, and Mnemosyne.

Flashcard apps: Flashcard apps are another great tool for retaining new information.

These apps allow individuals to create digital flashcards with information on one side and a question or prompt on the other. 

Some popular flashcard apps include Quizlet and StudyBlue.

Practice quizzes: Practice quizzes are a great way to test and reinforce new knowledge.

There are some many websites and apps offer practice quizzes on a wide range of topics, including Khan Academy, Quizlet, and Duolingo.

Before you begin your training, consider mapping out exactly what you need rather than generalizing topics.

If you visit Upskill Talent’s Tools page, you will see several tools that will position you to optimize what’s needed.