Upskilling aims to teach employees new skills within their current role, whereas reskilling is a term used to describe an employee who is learning new skill sets to allow them to perform a different job in the company.
While upskilling involves learning additional skills to improve your work performance and allow you to be better equipped when performing your job.
But, what are the benefits of upskilling and reskilling? Throughout this article, we will discuss the key differences and the benefits. Read on to find out more!
What Is Upskilling?
Upskilling involves learning new skills to advance in your current job role. The company may offer people the opportunity to complete more courses to expand their skills and knowledge. More often than not, employers will increase the employees’ pay if they agree to upskill and learn new things.
Upskilling closes skill gaps, offers a range of benefits regarding personal and professional development, and saves companies hassle when it comes to looking for the perfect candidate. It offers a range of benefits for both businesses and employees alike, as it opens doors to new careers, boosts satisfaction, and allows you to progress to the next level.
There are many different ways that you can upskill within your business to allow you to take on new roles and learn new skills, such as:
- Completing a course: There are a range of e-learning courses available for all types of job roles, all you have to do is search ‘upskilling courses’ on Google and find the best course for you.
- Work experience: This is a great way to learn new soft skills and knowledge regarding the job role. A good way to gain work experience is by asking your manager if you can shadow other employees.
If your business has requested that you upskill, then they may assist you throughout this process. Make sure you keep a lookout for industry events or conferences, as they could help you improve your existing skill set and knowledge.
What Is Reskilling?
If you are looking to change your job role at your current company, then you will need to reskill. This is a good alternative and saves businesses time and money when it comes to hiring new employees with different skills.
Reskilling is important as it allows businesses to keep the same employees in their company and prepares them for different job roles. There are many benefits to reskilling, such as:
- It reduces costs
- Attracts new talent
- Helps to keep talented employees in the organisation
If you are looking to reskill, then you can do this by asking your manager to design personalised reskilling courses or programmes. This programme could include shadowing, CPD training and peer-to-peer learning.
Upskilling Vs Reskilling
Now that you have a better understanding of what upskilling and reskilling means, let’s explore the key differences between the two.
| Upskilling | Reskilling |
|---|---|
| Involves learning new skills within your current job role. | Involves learning new skills to transition into a different job role. |
| Upskilling is needed when industry trends or job responsibilities develop. | Reskilling is needed when job roles become vacant or companies change. |
| Benefits employees looking to grow within their current career. | Benefits employees looking for new job role opportunities. |
| Offers job security and the potential for a pay rise. | Opens doors to new career paths and opportunities. |
Key Takeaways
You should now have a better understanding of upskilling and reskilling, the differences between the two, and the benefits they offer. However, if you still feel a bit confused, here are some key takeaways for you to remember:
- Upskilling involves teaching employees within the company new skills
- Reskilling involves learning new skills to move into a different job role or career
- Reskilling is important because it means the business can keep the same employees
- Upskilling is important because it improves employees’ existing skills
Upskill and Reskill Your Business With MOVE
Are you a business owner looking to upskill or reskill your employees? If so, we can help! We are an award-winning business that provides networking and relationship-building support. We are passionate about coaching and supporting business owners and professionals through a range of different services.
Our business coaching service can get you and your employees exactly where you need to be in your business. If you feel you could benefit from that extra bit of support to assign job roles to certain employees, you’re in the right place.
We believe that when you own a business, whether it is a small business or an established one, you are responsible for all aspects of it, which is why we work with our clients to help them thrive within themselves and their companies.
For more information on the services we offer or to speak to a member of our team, contact us today. We are more than happy to help!
Mark is a multi-award winner in business networking and relationship building. He is passionate about coaching and mentoring business owners and professionals through 1-1 & group coaching, team performance workshops and group mastermind sessions.