The case for continuous learning

The case for continuous learning has never been more apparent – employers take note

Geoff Smith, Grayce CEO makes the case for continuous learning in FE News.

The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly accelerated the adoption of digital transformation across all modern industries. As a result, the demand for digital skilled labour has never been higher. In fact, recent research shows that many businesses and organisations have shifted to digital modes of working. Predictions show that by 2030, 75% of jobs will require advanced digital skills – putting pressure on Generation Z to be the most digitally-capable generation yet.

Despite recent ONS figures showing evidence to a rise in employment in young generations, the digital skills gap is still rapidly growing. UK employers are also facing the worst shortage of job candidates on record. In a survey conducted by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), a mixture of employees appearing reluctant to switch roles due to the pandemic, fewer EU workers being available, and skills shortages were all contributing to the staffing squeeze – forcing employers to recruit from the same pool of talent and struggling to fill gaps.

It is clear that young talent need to hone their digital skillsets, now an imperative to thrive in this new work landscape. To drastically help improve their chances of employability today and future proof their careers for tomorrow, emerging talent need to carry on showcasing their appetite for learning throughout their formal education, and beyond. We must assist young people, by encouraging the workplace to find ways to support the eager youth to continuously learn and develop new and relevant skillsets through better modes of learning.

Employers and employees need to come together to design flexible learning experiences that fit into young people’s fast-paced lives. This means ditching the drab training models that limit how young people engage and retain knowledge. As such, the training that employers offer should continuously evolve with the everchanging demands of the job market to efficiently equip young people with the skills needed in the current job market.

You can read more on the FE News website.