Why Should I Up-Skill? 5 Reasons to Learn New Skills
Michael Yi
Up-Skilling is a valuable way to address skills gaps, learn new skills and improve your chances of being promoted to new roles or even be offered a new job!
Up-Skilling is the process of learning new skills in a relevant area, whether in a specific industry or for a specific role, that will assist a person in their career.
Here are six of the best reasons to undertake some personal or professional development through in-class or online courses.
1. Fill in your skills gaps
If you’re either looking for new opportunities or just want to make sure you’re on top of your current required skill set, the importance of up-skilling can’t be overstated.
A skills gap is the difference between what employers need and what employees have. If you want to have a strong career path, it’s crucial that you take training opportunities so that your current skill set is in line with the needs of the business.
For job seekers, upskilling can be the difference between successfully navigating job opportunities or not getting job interviews.
2. Take charge of your career development
If you want to go a long way in your current career, look ahead! If you want to go into management, then your development plan for how to get there should include training courses in leadership and management.
You should also include training programs in your industry to make sure that you can apply for any job opportunities that come up in your day-to-day life. Find out where you want to go and make sure you’re taking advantage of any up-skilling opportunities that could get you there.
Plus, it looks great on your LinkedIn!
2 out of 3 employers are worried about skills gaps
3. Improve your performance in your current role
Even if you’re not looking at changing careers or a promotion, learning opportunities are still valuable. Training opportunities can make your workday easier by teaching you new ways to do everyday chores. Even a course in organisation or business administration could make it easier to do things such as creating better work schedules.
Even doing a course in artificial intelligence could help you understand how technology is changing the way we work and what that means for your industry. Improving your performance is crucial for current employees because even if you’re not looking for career path development opportunities you can still ensure that you’re fulfilled in your current role.
You can give yourself the best chance at further opportunities in another industry in the future. On-boarding is a great way to stay ahead of the game!
Leaving a workplace can cost an employee $25,000
4. Make connections with like-minded people
Training opportunities can also mean that you make valuable connections. If you’re looking to accelerate your career path, networking is one of the most valuable tools you have.
Even online learning can put you in contact with other students who can be a valuable part of your network, as well as tutors and teachers who can give you development opportunities.
These opportunities may be something as simple as lunch and learns or lead to other upskilling opportunities.
5. Improve employee engagement
If you’re feeling bored at work, or want more opportunities, then an Up-Skilling program could be perfect! It’s a great way to see new potential in an old workplace, and fill yourself with inspiration about your current role.
Attending webinars or up-skilling opportunities can help you and your workplace by helping you to see new and unique ways to apply yourself.
The estimated productivity loss 45% caused by skills gaps in the workplace
The bottom line is that undertaking an up-skilling program can help you in a variety of ways – from preparing yourself for the job market to helping you find inspiration in your current job.
Training courses are a fast, effective way for you to improve your knowledge and skill set. So get started today, and browse courses in your area of interest!
