Just as anything else in the world the corporate world is changing and increasingly even the way informal trades are conducted is shifting towards a more advanced way. Operations are changing, systems are changing, data management, decision making is now aided by intelligent data management and processing. This is all amazing, the world is progressing, but have we prepared for it? Have we put together a well equipped work force with the essential skills to fully and adequately participate in the 21st century corporate world?
On any given day job search platforms are full of job listing and yet the unemployment gap widens. Sure the opportunities aren't enough to match the need, but the ones that are available usually aren't easy to fill as well. Why? Because job profiles are changing, required skill sets are changing, it is no longer enough to hold a qualification in a field, there are other accompanying skill sets that make job applicants attractive and this is the area higher education institutes need to focus in developing. In fact one can easily argue that the preparation should begin at foundation phase, in a more clichéd fashion - catch them young.
Take for example a hiring manager looking to place a project manager, there are two candidates, have a diploma in project management which is essential, but the one candidate has additional experience and knowledge of IT systems, project management tools, global trends and inter discipline experience. Compared to the other candidate, they have a broader view and wider set of skills which means more capacity. The hiring manager obviously looks for skills such as innovation - which means new ideas will come forth, leadership - ability to mentor and guide others to success.
As educators, this should be part of our teaching and learning outcomes, learners with 21st Century outcomes, creativity, communication, collaboration and perhaps the most important one critical thinking. It becomes very important to then alter our teaching methods to one's that foster for the development of these skills. The best way to facilitate these is through technology enhanced learner centered teaching techniques. Learners should be exposed to global technologies, platforms and information, this is achievable through the use of technology to access global knowledge sources, and teaching methods that build confidence and collaborative skills. It stays important for educators to not lose focus of the end goal, to prepare learners for what lies ahead, to develop pioneers and achievers.