Career Directions
Reskilling / Upskilling
Are you looking for career advancement opportunities? Are you looking to change jobs or are you interested in a different position within the company you currently work for? It is important to recognize that many companies invest in training. Whether learning new skills (upskilling) in your current job, or learning new skills to do a different job ( reskilling), training opportunities may exist right where you are. If training opportunities do not exist, this is an area you want to explore if you decide to look for a new job with more reskilling options.
Financial commitment
Many companies invest in training their employees, particularly employees who express an interest in learning. The cost of new skills is often absorbed by the employer, or the cost of training is subsidized by the employer. For instance, your employer may offer a specific dollar amount toward coursework related to your job or interests. They may also give you time away from work to pursue training opportunities. “You don’t know until you ask.” Have you read your employee handbook lately or talked to your supervisor about your desire to learn new skills? You may be surprised at what is available once you collaborate with your employer around training goals.
Time commitment
Learning new skills can happen on the job ( on-the-job training) or on your own time. The important thing is to talk to your employer about your training goals and together create a plan that involves a mutual commitment to reskilling or upskilling. Training time can vary from a couple of hours a week to a couple of days. Remember, that if you are learning on the job, or offered training opportunities, your employer is investing in your future.
Housing
Reskilling or Upskilling, outside of traditional college, does not include living arrangements. This means that the cost of living will not be any greater than what you are already paying to live somewhere.
Required Education
Companies invest in employees who have demonstrated that they are a good investment – employees who demonstrate the high five skills. ( link). Employers may invest in helping you get a high school diploma if that is a barrier to you advancing your skills, or a college degree if that is a requirement for a management position.
Career Opportunities
Lifelong learning is a necessity, particularly in today’s fast paced, technology driven, world or work. It will take commitment to continue to advance in your field. Your commitment to learning new skills, in conjunction with your employer’s commitment to providing you upskilling or reskilling opportunities, will help ensure that you will be a valuable employee for many years to come.
