Skills of the Future
In times of change, it is important to focus on both personal and professional growth as well as building resiliency. This will help you persevere through the challenges of disruption and find a path to new jobs and opportunities. The Future of Work will see an increased importance of core cognitive and social skills.
While some skills are specific to a particular set of occupations, there are four foundational skills and abilities that will be valuable across the labour market.
Human Skills
Teamwork, communication, being able to adapt to change, and empathy are examples of soft skills that will provide success in the future of work. Employers describe soft skills as important to collaboration and to help with complex decision-making. Soft skills are less likely to be held by intelligent machines and can protect a worker from automation.
2. Mastering Emerging Technologies
Digital technologies are commonplace in all industries. It is essential that every worker, regardless of their occupation, obtain knowledge of current and new technologies and their applications. Importantly, holding both technological skills and soft skills are thought to drive innovation in the future of work.
3. Problem Solving
Problem solving, creativity and critical thinking skills are seen as highly valuable characteristics that will help workers find solutions to obstacles that they can encounter within the workplace. Being able to identify creative solutions to problems can help to develop new and efficient ways to perform job tasks.
4. Skilled Trades
Demand for tradespeople will remain strong in Canada as the innovation economy grows. Developing hands-on skills and formal training in a trade like electrical work, plumbing or welding could be an effective way to be competitive in the workforce and access well-paying jobs.
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