After surveying more than 17,000 respondents across 17 countries, the first annual Human Progress Study reports that 85% believe upskilling and reskilling will become the new standard for people throughout their careers.
With the evolution of technology and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), continuous skill acquisition is not just an aspiration. In a world where skills are ever-evolving and can rapidly become obsolete, continuous learning is a necessity.
Educational Testing Services (ETS), the largest nonprofit for educational measurement, released the findings last month, which overwhelmingly show the need for ongoing education. The biggest problem? 8 in 10 polled across the globe wish it were easier to access quality education in their country.
Lack of financial resources (53%), socioeconomic backgrounds (32%), and a limited number of qualified teachers (31%) were the leading barriers to education. This creates a perpetual cycle of desiring and valuing education but not having the means to obtain it.
More than half of those surveyed agreed with the statement, “I’m concerned that my current or future children might end up in a lower socioeconomic bracket than I am in now.” More than 80% of respondents believe, “As time goes on, more jobs will require new skills that people don’t currently have.”
Shai Reshef, founder and president of the University of the People, emphasizes, “Higher education is very slow to react… I think there are two major forces that are putting pressure on higher education. One is technology, and the second is the needs of the market.”
Fewer than half of those surveyed saw potential solutions coming from governments, corporations, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations.
A Possible Solution
Upskilling — acquiring new skills or enhancing existing ones — requires continuous effort from practitioners. The practice, often influenced by job market changes, technological advancements, or personal growth goals, can help individuals remain professionally competitive and improve workplace adaptability, ultimately enhancing their employability.
Skills and competencies can influence success more than credentials. Eric Lavin, partner at Avalanche VC, says, “Learning how to learn is probably the key skill. The half-life of skills is getting shorter as more and more technology comes in. The most important ability is learning how to use the new tools in the way that is resonant with being a human and the job to be done.”
Soft skills, like solid communication, problem-solving, and creativity, are critical elements of job market competitiveness. Additionally, many other life skills — emotional intelligence, leadership, time management, collaboration, and perseverance — positively influence one’s job market allure.
More than 80% of respondents believe that learning assessments can help individuals achieve better job opportunities and career advancement. They see these assessments as valuable opportunities for advancement and one tool to bridge the skill gap.
The Role of Certifications and Microcredentials
Certifications and microcredentials surge in popularity amid the modern educational ecosystem. Digital platforms increasingly offer courses in partnership with industry leaders, offering learners flexible, targeted, and more affordable pathways to specialized skills acquisition.
Unlike traditional degree programs, these shorter, niche learning modules allow individuals to quickly adapt to the evolving demands of the job market by acquiring specific competencies that are directly applicable to their professional fields. Employers, in turn, recognize these credentials’ value as reliable indicators of practical, up-to-date skills.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Technology
Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality are shaping the future of learning and assessment. Many surveyed believe that AI-driven assessments were trustworthy for improving skills despite recognizing their unintentional biases and programming flaws. AI’s quick data analyses augment understanding of student performance, ultimately giving teachers precise insights into learner progress and allowing for tailored curriculum adjustments.
Continuous Learning Is the Future
Continuous learning is the currency of tomorrow. Those proficient in upskilling, microcredentials, and AI will remain workplace assets, improving job security and pay.
While systemic barriers to higher education and professional development exist, innovative solutions can boost upskilling and reskilling’s societal importance. Now is the time to recognize the need for change, embrace a mindset shift, and support a more holistic, accessible educational journey for the future.
