The 2025 Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum reveals that employers expect 39% of key skills in the workforce to change by 2030. The projects a significant disruption to the skills economy for both employees and employers. To address this challenge, companies are increasingly investing in upskilling and reskilling programmes to help employees adapt. By actively acquiring new skills, individuals can take on greater responsibilities, solve complex problems, and contribute meaningfully to projects.
Why upskilling should be a core strategy
- Staying competitive: In a rapidly changing tech environment, upskilling ensures you’re always one step ahead of the competition, making you more attractive to employers.
- Expanding career options: Acquiring new skills opens up a wider range of career paths, enabling you to transition into different roles or industries with ease.
- Fostering innovation: Gaining expertise in emerging technologies empowers you to bring fresh, innovative ideas to your team and contribute to your company’s success.
- Building long-term value: Upskilling not only enhances your current role but also strengthens your overall career trajectory, offering long-term value to both you and your organisation.
- Improving job satisfaction: Constant learning can reinvigorate your career by presenting new challenges and making your work more engaging and rewarding.
Upskilling opportunities for tech professionals
There are numerous avenues available for professionals to enhance their skills. Formal education, such as degree programmes, offers structured learning and provides recognised certifications. These help build a solid knowledge base, however, everyone completing the same course would graduate with the same set of tools. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, HubSpot, Codeacademy, and Skillshare feature a wide array of courses on specialised technologies and skill sets. Additionally, attending seminars, workshops, and industry conferences can offer valuable insights into the latest trends. Gaining hands-on experience through side projects, open-source contributions, and participating in hackathons can also be effective ways to further develop expertise.
Practical strategies for managers to support employee growth
Managers play a pivotal role in driving the success of their teams. By fostering a culture that prioritises learning and continuous improvement, they can empower employees to reach their full potential while also ensuring the organisation remains competitive. These are some strategies managers can implement to support staff development:
Encourage and support competency-building initiatives: Actively show commitment to skill enhancement by fostering a culture that values progress and upskilling.
- Provide access to training resources: Ensure staff members have access to relevant tools, courses, or platforms that align with their development goals.
- Sponsor professional certifications: Invest in your team's growth by funding certifications that expand their expertise and career prospects.
- Allocate dedicated time for learning: Allow talent to focus on skill-building during work hours, demonstrating that education is a priority.
- Collaborate with L&D and HR teams: Work closely with Learning & Development and Human Resources to identify suitable opportunities for colleagues, including mentorship programmes, leadership development, and cross-functional projects.
- Communicate success stories: Share examples of employees who have grown through upskilling efforts to inspire and motivate others.
