Skills trends shaping workforce development
Earlier this year, Coursera launched the annual Global Skills Report, an in-depth look at the state of skills globally. The Global Skills Report draws data from 100 million learners in more than 100 countries who have used Coursera, a global online learning platform, to develop a new skill during the past year—with the goal of providing actionable insights to businesses, governments, and campuses looking to understand the skill needs of their organization.
Our analysis reveals that investments made by the public sector in skills development, like government initiatives and higher education programs, have the potential to drive competitiveness, innovation, and equity worldwide. Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution to workforce and economic development, countries with high levels of skills proficiency see a variety of positive outcomes.
The Global Skills Report also suggests several other trends for workforce development leaders to keep in mind when shaping programs. For instance, learners in all countries are investing in digital skills or those that enhance them—something that is especially relevant given the high-demand by employers for digital skills.
A recent survey of nearly 40,000 United Kingdom employers found that 75 percent of jobs required mid- to high-level digital skills like data analysis, digital marketing, and machine and manufacturing technology. Furthermore, over 60 percent of jobs in sub-Saharan Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, and Canada were either digital occupations themselves or required at least a basic level of digital skills. Meanwhile, three-quarters of workers in a recent global survey conducted by Salesforce said that they felt unprepared for jobs in the digital-first economy.
Public sector investment in digital skills represents a unique opportunity to reskill people into better careers for roles that employers need now.
In the words of Jeff Maggioncalda, Coursera CEO: “The Great Resignation and automation are mandating stronger investments in human capital, as institutions must prioritize developing the high-demand digital and human skills required to build a competitive and equitable workforce.”
“Our data shows these skills are not equally distributed, and students and low-wage workers need access to flexible, affordable, and fast-tracked pathways to entry-level digital jobs that offer a foundation for a stronger and more inclusive economy.”
Get the Global Skills Report: Europe Edition to see the in-demand skills that learners are pursuing in your country and discover how you can empower your workforce with new career pathways.
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