The Emergence Of Skills-Based Learning Is Vital To Teams’ Success
Skills-based learning represents a profound transformation in workplace training.
Gone are the days of static training programs and one-size-fits-all approaches. Instead, individual development and the mastery of specific competencies are needed to excel in their roles and adapt to new skills as dictated by a changing economy.
In this article, I’ll explain skills-based learning and discuss why this approach to learning and development is beneficial to both the organization and the employee.
What Is Skills-Based Learning
Skills-based learning empowers employees to acquire and apply specific, relevant competencies to their current or future roles. Where traditional training methods emphasize broad education or generic certifications, skills-based learning focuses on the skills necessary for success in a particular job.
This type of learning approach ensures the training is highly relevant and immediately applicable, making employees more effective in their roles.
In mapping skills most critical for organizational growth, skills-based learning not only enhances individual performance but also supports the organization's overall strategic objectives.
Beyond Technical Skills
A common misconception about skills-based learning is that it’s solely focused on technical skill development. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, of the 56 foundational skills McKinsey & Company identified to help employees thrive in the future, only 11 are in the technical or digital domain. The majority of these essential skills lie in areas like critical thinking, developing relationships, and communication, which highlights the broad and holistic nature of skills-based learning.
Some of the skills identified by McKinsey & Company are not new, just newly important. Foundational skills such as critical thinking and teamwork effectiveness have always been essential.
However, in today's economy, these skills have gained increasing importance. The pace and challenges of the modern workplace demand employees who apply these skills to driving business outcomes. As artificial intelligence becomes more pervasive, this isn't likely to change.
Why Embrace A Skills-Based Learning
A skills based learning approach aligns with the move to becoming a skills-based organization, something that is becoming more common as companies rethink roles and the nature of work.
Aside from that, several factors fuel the shift towards skills-based learning. These include:
Productivity
According to a study from the Institute for Corporate Productivity, only 30% of companies say their employees have the skills they need, but only 10% have a skills database or inventory.
By prioritizing skills-based learning, organizations ensure their workforce is equipped with the specific capabilities needed to excel in their roles and thus increase productivity.
Versatility and Agility
A study from Deloitte revealed that 65% of workers say that the skills required to do their job have shifted just in the last two years.
The evolving nature of work increasingly values versatility and agility. By equipping employees with new skills applicable to a variety of roles, organizations are set up to adapt more effectively to shifting job roles and responsibilities.
Engagement and Retention
Another study from Deloitte found that 77% of executives believe their organizations should help workers become more employable through relevant skills training, but only 5% believe they’re investing sufficiently in an effective training approach.
A skills-based approach boosts employee engagement and retention, providing employees with training that they not only need but want. This enhances job satisfaction and reduces turnover rates, saving companies the substantial costs associated with recruitment and onboarding.
Benefits For Employees Employees
Employees are embracing skills-based learning for one simple reason. They, like their executive leaders, can see the writing on the wall.
Personal Growth and Career Advancement
91% of employees actively seek to learn new skills. A skills-based learning approach can provide clear pathways for personal development and career progression.
Relevance and Practicality
Going skills-based ensures the skills being learned are relevant to the expected outcomes, have practical application, and are relevant to the current and future market. Employees appreciate training they can immediately apply to their work, enhancing their job performance and engagement.
Adaptability
Skills-based learning equips employees with the versatility needed to quickly adjust to changing training needs and acquire new skills.
Challenges Of Skills-Based Learning
Implementing skills-based learning sounds pretty ideal then, right? Well, that may be, but it doesn't come without its challenges. These include things like:
- Resource Intensive - Requires significant investment in materials, equipment, and training for instructors.
- Assessment Difficulties - Measuring practical skills and competencies can be more challenging than traditional testing methods, requiring the creation of robust assessment tools and criteria.
- Curriculum Development - Requires aligning learning outcomes with specific skill sets and industry standards and programming on offer in your learning management system (LMS).
- Instructor Expertise - Instructors may need additional training to effectively teach and assess practical skills, which can be a barrier if they are accustomed to traditional teaching methods.
- Learner Resistance - Some learners may be more comfortable with conventional educational methods or struggle with the hands-on, practical nature of skills-based learning.
- Scalability Issues - Accommodating large numbers of students can be difficult, especially in environments with limited access to necessary resources and facilities.
For more on developing a skills-based approach to work and learning in your organizations, be sure to subscribe to the People Managing People newsletter. You’ll get all the latest trends in learning and workforce development straight to your inbox!
