Students are also encouraged by some degree courses to develop creative and analytical approaches to problem-solving in their sector. Moreover, practical learning is encouraged in order to enable them in carving a niche in global markets for themselves. Pioneering academia-industry partnerships are also been driven by Ireland. This has become necessary in bringing forth growth and innovation in the academic curriculum. Therefore, qualified job-ready applicants are delivered with a specialization in practical training and knowledge of industries. Universities are also partnering with tech companies in order to upskill their talent. This will, in turn, help in preparing the students for Industry 4.0 and the digital future.
Lately, the idea of lifelong learning has become very popular. This is due to the increasing number of students as well as professionals who are looking to upskill and reskill. Upskilling is the process of acquiring new skills in a professional context. This, in turn, enables individuals to keep pace with the industry trends that are evolving. To the pre-existing skill set of a person, these skills often add up.
Impact of upskilling in the education sector
Higher education institutions work towards equipping their students with skills. This is mainly to aid the students in their professional development and career advancement. At the completion of their degree, they are also exposed to post-study career opportunities. Educational institutes support and encourage upskilling initiatives with the ultimate vision of making students future-ready for the existing job market.
Educational institutions have been directly impacted due to the move of companies to skill-based recruitment from qualification-based requirements. The gap in skills among employees is a result of a pre-structured academic curriculum. They pose a challenge to recruiters who prefer to hire employees with relevant skills in the technology of the current age.
Companies, generally, have a vested interest in the initiatives undertaken by the institute in order to minimize the skill gap for students when they build relationships with universities. They also consider the capability of the university in providing them with the right skill set. Therefore, top universities across the globe are expected to incorporate upskilling strategies in their curriculum for this reason. This will strengthen the portfolios of their students before their placement.
Studies by World Education Forum show that the education sector must implement a comprehensive strategy in order to promote upskilling among its young intellectuals. By 2030, according to the report, the world’s GDP may be raised to $6.5 trillion, which equals creating 5.3 million worth of net employment globally with an investment in skill development. According to these statistics, it can be seen that a significant contributor to the global economic shift is the education sector.
In 2019, Ireland implemented a Human Capital Initiative. It has invested Euro 300m for over five years in increasing the capacity of higher education. This was mainly done in order to meet the skills needs of the future. The investment under this initiative is targeted towards increasing skills-focused programs. Therefore, this will help in developing the most relevant and in-demand skillsets for learners of all levels irrespective of whether it be professionals, undergraduates and postgraduates.
Response of the education sector to this new need
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought numerous challenges across all sectors including education. Normalizing of online education and e-learning is one of the major changes that have emerged. E-learning models have bridged the distance between the two parties as universities across the globe struggled to deliver meaningful education to their students. Through these e-learning models, one could identify knowledge gained and skill gaps along with fulfilling regular academic requirements.
Moreover, e-learning models were explored further as an opportunity to upskill students from the base level. E-learning programs are gaining popularity among students in areas such as data automation, coding, cyber security, search engine optimization, UX/UI design, organizational behaviour, leadership skills and so on.
Many of these programs, as a result, have been or are presently being adopted by colleges and universities as credited courses. In addition to this, through internships, mentorship and/ or apprenticeship programs, universities are also supporting upskilling. Students, along with advancing their skills, also build industry networks by leveraging such opportunities. This, in turn, advances their career trajectory.
As such upskilling strategies have been adopted now by many global academic institutions, students of higher education, from the very beginning stage, are becoming more and more willing to expand their scope of knowledge. Likewise, these credentials earned help them in differentiating their portfolios from the rest. Even social networking platforms value and offer these credentials.
Above all, these skills are sought after, nowadays, even during the recruitment cycle. This is done, especially, when reviewing the potential employee’s willingness to learn, grow and adapt in the industry. Similarly, in the workplace, soft skills are becoming increasingly important. This is because organizations are looking towards adding additional value to their business.
In this respect, Irish universities have taken the lead. They are offering industry-led programs with a unique instructional model. These programs are taught by skilled professors who have an industry or corporate background. Innovation and entrepreneurship are fostered by institutions at all levels. They offer masterclasses and micro-credentials in order to facilitate lifelong learning and advanced professional development.
Students are also encouraged by some degree courses to develop creative and analytical approaches to problem-solving in their sector. Moreover, practical learning is encouraged in order to enable them in carving a niche in global markets for themselves. Pioneering academia-industry partnerships are also been driven by Ireland. This has become necessary in bringing forth growth and innovation in the academic curriculum. Therefore, qualified job-ready applicants are delivered with a specialization in practical training and knowledge of industries. Universities are also partnering with tech companies in order to upskill their talent. This will, in turn, help in preparing the students for Industry 4.0 and the digital future.
The University of Limerick has diverse and new computer science courses owing to this. Such courses include the immersive software engineering program in partnership with leading tech companies from Ireland and across the globe. Such tech companies include Analog Devices, Zalando, Stripe, etc. Ericsson Ireland and ICT Skillnet fund the MSc in Applied Software Engineering at Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone. This covers the entire software development lifecycle. Moreover, it includes a paid placement with Ericsson for three-month.
Conclusion
Learning never ends, as rightly said by great minds. The education qualification and degrees of the course that are received definitely matter. However, the new-age skills and acclimatizing practices are the main elements that make you stand out. Therefore, professionals and students must look to broaden their knowledge base. They are also swiftly adapting to newer developments in their industry. Thus, students and professionals must ensure that they have the ability to take up a valuable place in the competitive job market.
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