TRENDS FOR TOMORROW
The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Future Skills 2030 Report identified the driving sources that will shape the future of jobs and skills in the world. The technological advancement is bound to open new horizons in the fields of automation, artificial intelligence and robotics, big data and data analysis, virtual reality and augmented reality. The global drive towards sustainability will create a new set of green jobs in alternative energy and waste management.
The current Fourth Industrial Revolution has forced every industry to undergo rapid changes and the existence of businesses will depend on how well they adapt to the new unique skills that do not exist today.
INVESTING IN YOUR PEOPLE
It is true that organizations are keeping pace with the market and technological advancements to capitalize on the business opportunities, but they can have a significant competitive advantage only if they have the ability to address the skill gaps and upskill their workforce.
Rapid advancements in technology have brought in the need of training existing employees on new technologies and tools, and upskilling existing workers who already know the organization, processes and clients will be much effective than bringing in new people. It is a universally proven fact that reskilling is a smaller investment than hiring and training a new worker. There will be a positive impact on the morale of the employees as they are given the opportunity to stay relevant, productive and effective in the competitive and constantly changing job market, where many industries are being disrupted by new technologies.
How to Upskill Your Workforce
Organizations should have a comprehensive upskilling strategy in order to cater to the requirements of the future. The strategy should lay down concrete plans and programs to provide the employees with the necessary knowledge and skills to adapt to changing technologies, work situations and job profiles. The various methods to Reskill and Upskill your workforce include:
Training programs: Specific training programs that focus on developing the skills and knowledge relevant to the requirements and objectives of the organization. The cost the organization incurs for in-house training programs, or the financial support provided for the employees to attend external courses will prove as the right investment decision to stay competitive.
Cross training and Job rotation: Progressive companies train and develop their team members to take up totally different roles within the organization, allowing them to develop their career by equipping them to acquire new skills and gain new experiences.
E-Learning programs: Organizations can encourage and support employees to enroll for specialized online learning programs which will help them learn new technologies and practices.
Conferences and workshops: Providing opportunities for employees to attend industry specific conferences and workshops can provide them with opportunities to learn from industry experts.
INVESTING IN YOURSELF
It is critical for any professional to learn new skills or improve existing ones to increase their knowledge, expertise and value in the job market.
Professional upskilling opportunities are available to individuals at all levels of their careers in the UAE. Universities, colleges, and vocational training centers provide formal education. These institutions offer various courses, including short-term certificates and long-term diplomas.
Besides formal education, there are many other ways to upskill individuals. Professional training companies offer professional development programs ranging from professional degree preparation to leadership and management courses to technology courses. Individuals can also upskill themselves online through a variety of platforms and resources which can be accessed from anywhere.
Professional upskilling, and thereby remaining updated, is a critical factor for anyone looking to grow their career in the UAE’s rapidly evolving job market. Remember, upskilling is an ongoing process. Make it a habit to continuously learn and develop your skills to stay competitive in your industry.
SKILLS IN DEMAND IN UAE
The UAE job market is quite diverse and very futuristic. As the economy is seeing a surge in investments in technology, infrastructure and energy, there is a huge demand for highly skilled workforce.
Digital and Technology Skills – The UAE is rapidly moving towards digitalization, which has increased the demand for professionals with digital and technology skills such as data analysis, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital marketing and software development.
Healthcare – Healthcare professionals especially doctors, nurses, pharmacists and researchers in pharmaceuticals are in high demand.
Digital Marketing – No longer a novel field, it has now evolved into a must-have function for organizations and skill for marketeers. Every organization need digital marketing professionals to help them connect with the world.
Blockchain – The understanding of this technology with huge multi-function application possibilities is still in the process of being probed and discovered. It has applications in Finance, HR, Procurement, Quality management, Contract management… the list is growing!
Cryptocurrency Management – This is a rapidly evolving and growing field. With greater exposure and greater number of players, its great flexibility and security in use, cryptocurrency is poised to become an indelible part of finance function in most companies.
Metaverse – Only a few institutions have the expertise to provide training in the Metaverse. This is touted as a parallel universe in the days ahead.
Finance and Accounting – Finance and accounting professionals, particularly those with qualifications such as Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) are in high demand in the UAE.
Hospitality and Tourism – Job opportunities for trained hospitality professionals are plenty, as the hospitality and tourism industry is a significant contributor to the country’s economy.
Human Resources – Employers in the UAE are looking for professionals with strong people management and recruitment skills to help them attract, manage and retain talent.
Sales and Marketing – We talk about bots taking away sales and customer care jobs, but professionals with strong communication, negotiation and customer relationship management skills are still sought after.
ENGAGE A PROFESSIONAL TRAINING COMPANY
Engaging a professional training company to upskill your workforce has its own benefits. Their expertise and experience give them the edge in designing and delivering effective training programs apt for your field. Many training companies design training programs designed for the specific needs of your workforce.
Efficiency and effectiveness: Professional training companies can save your organization time and money by delivering training programs efficiently and effectively. They can ensure that the training programs align with your business objectives, are delivered on time and have a measurable impact on performance.
Such institutions having access to a range of resources, including industry-specific research, cutting-edge technologies and best trainers can help your organization stay up to date with the latest trends and advancements in your industry.