Covid-19 created challenges for all of us. But one thing it did was give us a wake-up call.
It made us realize the importance of learning new skills to stay relevant and continue operating amid the rapid change of the workforce into hybrid working arrangements.
As we look for ways to improve our skills, it is clear that continuous learning is a must.
Going Digital
Despite the changes brought about by the fast-paced global work environment, Singapore remains competitive. Being employable is something that we can still rely on as we adapt to these changes.
The need for basic and advanced digital skillsets has never been this prevalent. Physical restrictions made digital skills a priority as businesses began transitioning from a traditional to an online setup.
Digital skills foster a change in the definition of a highly skilled worker. Intelligence and the unique ability to adapt to change are the new markers of a highly-skilled worker.
Today, AI or Artificial Intelligence is not only threatening lower-skilled jobs but also white-collar jobs. From robots that create your favorite coffee, machines to interpret radiograms, to computers that write- up press releases.
These trends may be significant. However, it also worries individuals who may be facing job obsolescence.
That’s why even if some find upskilling challenging to implement, especially for the older generation, they have to accept this digital change.
Adapting to Change
In the latest study by McKinsey & Company, 69% of organisations are recently moving forward as they do more skill-building initiatives than it was pre-pandemic.
It means that business leaders and professionals are now starting to know the value of continuous learning for themselves and their organisations.
In addition, according to SkillsFuture Singapore and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, businesses that sent their workers for reskilling and training reaped revenue benefits.
They found that for every 10% of the local workforce with company-supported training, its revenue was about 0.7% higher on average per year. The firms’ labor productivity rose by up to 2.2% higher.
This proves that gaining knowledge and learning new things has become a critical factor for business. Upskilling your employees can even better attract and retain talent and increase revenue.
Learning Solutions
We all have a significant role to play when it comes to preparing for the future.
To help us keep our roles, training and educational programs are now available online. Classes are even tailor-fit to suit learning requirements, preferences, and schedules. So, not personally attending is no longer an issue.
For instance, we can now take courses at the convenience of our homes. All we need is a laptop and a strong internet connection that most Singaporeans already have.
On the other hand, companies can support their employees as they transform and upgrade their skills.
Employers need to be more systematic and human-centric in how they address the skill-building of their workers.
These initiatives are an excellent investment that leads to positive outcomes—a win-win proposition for companies and their developing employees.
Final Thoughts
The National Education underpins the government’s National Skills Development Strategy. Its goal is to equip all Singaporeans with education and skills for long-term prosperity.
As the single largest initiative to enhance human capital, it is a system that motivates, develops, and inspires all Singaporeans to pursue continuous learning.
This system helps people like you pursue their careers or upgrade their current job or business.
Most importantly, to get the most out of their education, everyone, regardless of race, religion, or gender, is encouraged to achieve their potential by learning new skills and acquiring new knowledge.
Check our courses here at https://ssa.academy/learning-development-courses/ to start upskilling.
