Suresh H. PUNJABI
School of Continuing and Lifelong Education (SCALE)
Punjabi, S. (2023). Upskilling for Success: Job placement through skill development [Poster presentation]. In Higher Education Campus Conference (HECC) 2023, 7 December, National University of Singapore. https://blog.nus.edu.sg/hecc2023proceedings/upskilling-for-success-job-placement-through-skill-development/
SUB-THEME
Communities and Education
KEYWORDS
Skill development, job placement, upskilling, reskilling, career development
CATEGORY
Poster Presentation
ABSTRACT
Technological advancements and evolving methodologies have led to the emergence of new job roles that require updated skill sets. To remain relevant in the workforce, individuals must refresh and expand their skill sets. The necessity of skill development for job placement is evident, both for individuals entering the job market and those already employed.
Entering the job market, possessing the right skills for specific roles is critical. Employers seek candidates who have the necessary skills to succeed in their desired positions. As such, job seekers invest in skill development to enhance their employability and increase their chances of successful job placement.
Similarly, even those already employed must continuously acquire new skills to stay relevant. The introduction of new technologies demands that professionals continually update their skill sets to meet changing work requirements. Upskilling and reskilling programmes serve as essential tools for retaining the current workforce and enabling employees to navigate the demands of the modern job market effectively.
Skill development through upskilling and reskilling plays a vital role in successful job placement. Job seekers must focus on acquiring the right skills to meet employers’ evolving needs, while individuals already employed must embrace continuous learning to remain competitive. By recognising the importance of skill development and investing in upskilling initiatives, individuals can enhance their career prospects and ensure long-term employability in a rapidly changing job market.
The success of the NUS SGUnited Skills (SGUS) programme stands as a testament to the transformative power of targeted skill development. Incorporating imperative measures in care and career guidance, NUS further prepares job seekers by ensuring skills relevance as well as providing special counselling for trainees to help them cope and remain motivated during the training. These training interventions effectively helped bridge the gap between job seekers and the dynamic labour market, and has supported the placement of 152 job seekers in a volatile market during the pandemic.