Introduction

Investing in our skills is an investment in our future. It enables us to remain relevant and valuable in the job market. Lifelong learning is an essential component of personal and professional growth. In today's rapidly changing world, where technology and industries evolve at an unprecedented pace, it has become crucial to continuously update our skills and knowledge. The value of lifelong learning extends beyond employment prospects. It enriches our lives, broadens our perspectives, and enhances our overall well-being. By continually learning and acquiring new skills, we can discover new passions, engage in meaningful activities, and find fulfilment in both our personal and professional lives. 

In today's rapidly evolving world, staying competitive in any industry requires a commitment to lifelong learning. This is especially true in the construction sector, where advancements in technology, regulations, and best practices are constantly shaping the landscape. As a construction professional, investing in your skills is not only crucial for personal growth but also for the success of your organisation. By continuously expanding your knowledge and expertise, you can stay ahead of the curve and drive global competitiveness in the construction industry. In an interconnected world, businesses are constantly competing on a global scale. 

Skills are the differential, highly skilled employees bring unique value to their organisations, beyond what can be provided by cost-effective labour alone.

Benefits of investing in skills

There are numerous benefits to investing in our skills:

1. It enhances our employability. In today's highly competitive job market, employers seek candidates who possess a diverse range of skills and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. By continuously developing our skills, we increase our chances of securing desirable employment opportunities and advancing in our careers.

2. Lifelong learning provides us with a sense of personal achievement and satisfaction. When we invest time and effort into acquiring new skills, we experience a sense of accomplishment that boosts our self-confidence and self-esteem. This, in turn, motivates us to continue learning and achieving more.

3. Investing in our skills opens up new opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. It allows us to explore different areas of interest, develop new hobbies, and broaden our horizons. Lifelong learning enables us to lead more fulfilling lives by continuously expanding our knowledge and skills.

Skills obsolescence

The construction sector is a prime example of an environment where talent shortages and skill obsolescence are rampant and where valuing knowledge as an interchangeable currency is a game changer. By capitalising on their internal wealth, construction companies can fill their gaps by training their employees, recruiting new experts or outsourcing certain tasks. The notion of 'skills gap' also takes on its meaning: by detecting the missing skills of their talents, organisations contribute more to their career development. This investment in skills is a sustainable way to meet the challenges of their industry and continue to grow and become increasingly competitive.

Lifelong learning

Statistics show that lifelong learning is becoming increasingly important in today's society. According to a study conducted by the World Economic Forum, by 2022, more than half of all employees will require significant reskilling and upskilling due to technological advancements and changing job requirements. This highlights the need for individuals to embrace lifelong learning and continuously develop their skills to remain competitive in the job market. Statistics show that lifelong learning has a significant impact on personal and professional growth. According to the study, 94% of employees would stay longer with a company that invests in their career development. Additionally, a survey by LinkedIn found that 94% of professionals believe that learning new skills is essential for career success. These numbers highlight the importance of continuous learning in today's competitive job market. As a construction professional, it is crucial to recognise the value of lifelong learning and take proactive steps to develop your skills.

Furthermore, the research conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has shown that countries with a high level of participation in lifelong learning have stronger economies and higher levels of social inclusion. These findings underscore the importance of lifelong learning for both individual and societal success.

Global competition

Global competitiveness skills are the specific abilities and attributes that enable individuals, organisations, and nations to effectively compete in the global marketplace. These skills are crucial in an interconnected and highly competitive global economy.

Skills are valuable and relevant abilities, knowledge, and proficiencies that individuals, organisations, and nations possess to enhance their competitive advantage in the global marketplace. As digital transitions accelerate worldwide, we live in an ever more increasingly interconnected and competitive world. A nation's workforce needs to possess the right skills as they determine the country's or entity's ability to succeed and thrive in various sectors such as technology, business, innovation, education, and more. These skills are founded in the country ensuring a solid base of skills in STEM Education: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills are crucial for driving advancements in various industries and fostering innovation.

Emerging technologies

In a digitally enabled and AI-informed world, workers must attain relevant proficiency in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, data analytics, and automation can provide a significant advantage in various industries. The modern workforce must have digital literacy skills and proficiency in using digital tools and platforms for communication, research, and problem-solving, essential in today's digital economy. Data literacy, the understanding and interpreting data, as well as making data-driven decisions, is increasingly important across sectors. Technology plays a powerful role in enabling learners of all ages to develop the skills they need to succeed in the workplace, and countries must continually focus on ensuring that everyone has access to the tools and resources they need to succeed, regardless of their circumstances or background.

In today's digital age, there is a wealth of learning resources available to construction professionals. Online courses and certifications have become increasingly popular due to their flexibility and accessibility. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of construction-related courses that can be completed at your own pace. These courses cover various topics, from project management and building codes to sustainable construction practices. Additionally, EU-funded projects such as ARISE, are changing the landscape of the skills exchange.

The project is inspiring demand for sustainable energy skills, by providing clear learning interactions, transparency of upskilling transactions and recognition of qualifications achieved. The project has revolutionised the way construction professionals can develop their skills by putting the learner in charge of the journey, empowering the learner to tailor the learning journey to suit their specific needs and interests and monetising the skills exchange. Courses and platforms such as ARISE offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home or office.

Creating an innovative workforce

Building and creating an innovative workforce will ensure the nation or entity has the ability to generate novel ideas, solve complex problems, and innovate new products, services, or processes that can drive competitiveness and growth. This innovation will provide the catalyst for inherent entrepreneurship, delivering the skills to start, manage, and scale businesses foster economic growth and foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages job creation and innovation.

It is essential that the core skills in today’s globalised world include a global communication and cultural competence, the ability to effectively communicate, collaborate, and work across cultures is vital for international business and cooperation. Creating the skills landscape will also provide additionality to the workforce enabling them to develop allied skills including expertise in adaptability and resilience. This additionality will deliver the capacity to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and bounce back from challenges is critical for staying competitive in dynamic environments. It will also create in the workforce a capacity to become critical thinkers and problem solvers. The ability to analyse complex situations, make informed decisions, and solve intricate problems is fundamental for innovation and success.

STEM in construction

Whilst skills in STEM subjects undoubtedly bear great value, they’re only part of the equation. Complementary skills in environmental and social awareness are also part of the overall skills jigsaw required for modern society. In an era of increasing focus on sustainability and social responsibility, having skills related to environmental stewardship and ethical practices can enhance competitiveness. These ‘add on’ skills will also enhance the collaboration and teamwork of wider skills in the workforce. Working effectively within diverse teams and collaborating with individuals from different backgrounds and skill sets is key to innovation and achieving common goals.

A comprehensive set of key skills and competencies contribute to a nation's or entity's ability to adapt to changing circumstances, innovate, and create value, ultimately leading to enhanced global competitiveness. Organisations, educational institutions, and governments play a vital role in fostering the development and acquisition of these skills to ensure sustained success in a rapidly evolving global landscape. The skills process must be a continual engagement with a commitment to ongoing learning, and skills development is crucial to stay updated with evolving trends and remain competitive. Globally countries and their skills systems are struggling to keep pace with the needs of changing economies and society. Digital transition and technology are key to achieving a successful transition and ensuring the skills currency of the nation is maintained. The technology exists to liberate learning, enable learning to be designed and delivered in almost every way thinkable, and overcome the current traditional fragmented, slow and inflexible skills system. The ARISE project and others are creating a new dynamic skills interface that is learner-led, agile and responsive to society’s needs.

Conclusion

Lifelong learning is a powerful tool that propels global competitiveness. By investing in our skills, we enhance our employability, experience personal growth, and contribute to societal progress. Developing a lifelong learning mindset, setting goals, and utilising the vast array of learning resources available are essential steps in unleashing the power of skills. Moreover, networking, mentorship, and overcoming obstacles are crucial aspects of lifelong learning.

To unlock the full potential of lifelong learning, we must embrace it as a lifelong journey. Continuously updating our skills and knowledge allows us to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the global economy, remain competitive in the job market, and lead fulfilling lives. So, let us embrace lifelong learning and unlock our true potential for personal and professional growth.

Skills as currency provide a space where wealth creates wealth. Skills have always been part of human development. They have evolved as technology has innovated. As technology advances, skills become more specialised, rare and valuable commodities. The construction sector is witness to a continual cycle of innovation requiring new expertise and skills.

If you want more information about this topic, have a look to the previous articles of the series.

References

• Abigail Taylor.  (2020). Skills System International Case Studies; City-REDI (City Region Economic Development Institute), The University of Birmingham, UK.

• Bates, Reid & Phelan, Kelli. (2002). Characteristics of a Globally Competitive Workforce. Advances in Developing Human Resources.

• Khan, Muhammad, et al. 'Skills, Competitiveness and Productivity.' The Pakistan Development.

• Review, vol. 48, no. 4, 2009, pp. 473–86. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41261328. Accessed 11 Mar. 2024.

• https://www.cipd.org/globalassets/media/comms/news/as2learning-skills-work-report-2021-1_tcm18-95433.pdf

• https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1130173/full

• https://hbr.org/1990/03/the-competitive-advantage-of-nations