Whether physically or online, the way we view education and learning has changed forever due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Just as technology has helped academic institutions to reopen safely and support students remotely, it is providing upskilling opportunities to those whose careers have been upended by the economic crisis.
The pandemic has also exposed digital divides, particularly around access to technology and widening skills gaps. As the locations and methods we have long associated with learning continue to transform, cultivating a culture of continuous development will be crucial to the competitiveness and inclusivity of our economies.
As it becomes increasingly clear that the improvement of digital literacy, provision of training and reskilling opportunities must be a priority for governments and businesses alike, here are three key questions we need to consider.
Are young people prepared to navigate the changing world?
Even before the pandemic, the impact of digital transformation on civic spaces and the world of work had resulted in a major disconnect between education systems and the needs of global economies and societies. With good reason, academic institutions and programmes have encouraged the building of careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Increasingly, access to relevant technologies and development of digital competences will be essential to delivering high-quality education and training, both for life and work.
Are employees empowered to succeed in the digital economy?
In the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the urgency to future-proof and transition careers has required nothing short of a reskilling revolution. According to global Salesforce research, since the onset of the pandemic 40% of the workforce have considered a career change. As the digital economy continues to evolve, businesses don’t just have a responsibility to provide employees opportunities to retrain and transition to the jobs of the future. It’s increasingly within their interest to do so.
Now more than ever, people need access to the technologies and skills necessary to land the jobs of the future. This is why at Salesforce we launched Trailhead in 2014, our free online learning platform, to democratise education and provide an equal pathway into the tech industry. Delivering in-demand skills and resume-worthy credentials, we’re addressing the skills imperative and equipping people with the tools they need to succeed.
Are we doing enough to close digital skills gaps?
As a society, we need to continually ask ourselves whether we are doing enough to provide everyone with the opportunity to participate. As we reimagine education for a learn-from-anywhere world, for instance, we need to ensure every student can gain the best teaching regardless of circumstance.
When it comes to changing careers, everyone deserves the opportunity to reskill. As essential everyday services transition to online, ensuring universal access to anything from health to social care will be the true test of an inclusive digital-first world.
Given the rapid transformations we are seeing, it seems we are all having to learn and upskill to some degree. In the digital economy, for businesses and people alike, a transformative mindset will be crucial to how we live and learn. How we equip young people for the changing world, empower employees with the skills they need, and address widening digital gaps will determine our success both as an economy and society.
Chambers is area vice-president, Salesforce Africa & MED
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