Upskilling is the continuous process of enhancing existing skills or acquiring new ones to keep pace with industry demands. It ensures increased proficiency in their current roles and helps individuals stay relevant in an ever-changing job market. Educational institutes and colleges can play a vital role in upskilling by providing programs aligned with the changing industry demands. By offering flexible industry-aligned courses and certifications, institutions can help students acquire the latest skills and knowledge in their chosen fields.
Reskilling, on the other hand, is about breaking away from traditional patterns and preparing students for new roles or industries. Reskilling is essential to transition professionals into new careers equipped with emerging technologies. Forward-thinking educational institutions have already started embracing this concept by diversifying their offerings.
One example is the Artificial Intelligence for Digital Transformation program offered by the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. This program educates professionals on AI technologies and examines how they enable digital transformation in organizations, and at the same time, examines the economic and social impact of AI, intending to understand developments and disruptions in the future. Holistic courses like this enable students and professionals to learn emerging technologies with a macro futuristic view.
Educational institutes have a significant responsibility in shaping the future workforce. As we continue to witness rapid transformations in various industries, the ability to upskill and reskill will become a defining factor in creating a workforce that is agile, versatile, and well-prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
(The author is Mr. Hormazd Mistry, CEO – ROI Institute India, and the views expressed in this article are his own
