Bridging The Gap: Why Professional Courses Need Reform
Big change is on the horizon for professional training courses in the UK. Following years of funding cuts and reduced participation, the government seems focused on ensuring that adults have access to high-quality and relevant professional development courses wherever they are in their careers.
There are plans to upgrade technical education across the country, and it’s hoped that the introduction of the Lifelong Loan Entitlement will see adults enjoy better access to professional training delivered in a format that suits them. Let’s examine how reforms in adult education will change how professional development courses are delivered.
Why Is Reform Needed?
It’s no secret that adult education in this country hasn’t been up to scratch for some time now. A plethora of reviews and reports have repeatedly shown that there is a skills shortage in technical areas, and the current system is unable to flex with the changing demands of the labour market.
Technology is advancing all the time, and we’ve seen many jobs becoming more automated. The pandemic also brought about serious economic change, and a completely different set of skills is now required for the workforce to thrive in this new environment.
The Way We Work
Professional courses need to change because the way we work and how we feel about work has changed dramatically in recent years. Career paths in the UK look much different than they did ten years ago. Our career paths are a lot more fluid than they used to be; in fact, UK millennials have often held as many jobs as 55-year-olds have had in their whole working lives.
The search for better salaries plays a part in this trend, but more often, the younger workforce places greater value on work-life balance, personal growth and the opportunity to nurture a side hustle. This trend, in part has been further accentuated by the emergence of COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns that followed.
Such dynamic career paths mean that the workforce of the future will need high-quality professional training more than ever. Building on existing skills and acquiring new ones means that the millennial workforce will be able to continuously upskill and develop as they move through their careers, no matter how often they change jobs.
At the other end of the scale, advances in technology mean that the older workforce are at risk of being left behind. Professional training that allows older adults to enhance existing skills and develop new ones is vital to upskill the current workforce and help them excel in an increasingly digital world.
What Do Employers Need From Professional Courses?
There’s no point in having professional courses that don’t give people the skills that businesses actually need in their workforces. For professional development courses to be effective, they need to give people the skills that employers are looking for.
Hard skills that are job-specific will also be extremely important to ensure businesses can close skills gaps, adapt and remain competitive in a rapidly changing world. But as important as hard skills are, professional courses cannot overlook soft skills like problem-solving, communication and teamwork.
Digitalisation will see roles continue to change over time, but employers will always be on the lookout for transferable skills, as well as technical know-how. Professional development courses where skills in leadership, self-management and organisation are key components are most likely to give people the edge in the workplace.
Final Thoughts
The government’s shake-up of adult education and professional training is long overdue if the UK is to hold its place in the global economy. The way we work has changed beyond recognition in the past decade, and reforming professional development courses is the only way to give people the skills that organisations need them to have. By upskilling its workforce and improving professional training, the UK will be better placed to react to emerging trends and stay ahead of the curve.
Find Out How We Can Help You
We’re passionate about enabling individuals and employers to reach their potential through training and recruitment. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you with your training and recruitment needs.
