Skills are basic human’s abilities. This ability needs continuous training to become expert. According to Jerry Nadler, a US politician, defined skills as: a series of processes to explore and develop one’s inner potential by carrying out a number of activities that are directly realized and carried out in a sustainable manner.
In recent industrial era, skills are of course a very important aspect. It plays an important role in making innovations and solving problems in related fields. The skills of workers continue to change and develop according to the industrial needs from time to time. If a skill is no longer relevant, it needs development and renewal. This concept has the support of most employers who recognize the importance of investing in skills improvement programs for their workers.
The imbalance between opportunities and existing responses
According to data by the World Economic Forum, 66% of employers expect returns from investing in skills development and renewal programs from their workers within one year. Today, however, employers face new challenges. This challenge is a pandemic condition which the whole world is also facing. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected economic conditions around the world. In addition, conducting economic and business activities is also risky at this time. As a result, 17% of business owners are unsure of getting any return on the investment.
On average, employers expect to be able to provide opportunities for more than 70% of their workers to join this program until 2025. Unfortunately, this has not received an equal response. Only 42% of workers participate in this opportunity.
Meanwhile, this opportunity can greatly benefit both parties, both workers and employers. It is very unfortunate. considering the lack of response. Above all, the industrial needs will continue to develop in the future. Workers with irrelevant skills can be threatened of losing their jobs. So, it is important to continuously develop and update oneself in line with the new and advanced era.
