Reskilling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reskilling

[ˌrɛsˈkɪlɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

job training

Reskilling refers to the process of learning new skills to perform a different job or role, particularly in response to changes in the job market or technology. It often involves retraining existing employees to prepare them for new tasks or roles within their current job or organization. Reskilling is essential in today's fast-paced economy, where skills can quickly become outdated.

Synonyms

re-education, retraining, upskilling.

Examples of usage

  • The company invested in reskilling programs for its workforce.
  • She took online courses for her reskilling journey.
  • Reskilling workers is vital to keeping up with technological advancements.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Advancements in automation and artificial intelligence have increased the need for workers to reskill to remain competitive in the job market.
  • Tech giants have initiated reskilling programs to help employees transition from declining roles to in-demand positions, often focusing on digital skills.

Economics

  • Reskilling has become a key strategy for companies to navigate economic shifts, ensuring their workforce remains relevant amidst changes.
  • Governments around the world are investing in reskilling initiatives to boost employment rates and reduce economic inequality.

Education

  • Educational institutions are increasingly offering courses focused on reskilling, providing flexible options for adult learners.
  • Online platforms have surged in popularity for reskilling, offering accessible learning tools to people worldwide regardless of location.

Cultural Significance

  • The concept of lifelong learning reflects the cultural shift toward valuing continuous education, where reskilling plays a vital role.
  • In various cultures, the ability to adapt and learn new skills has been celebrated as a sign of resilience and innovation.

Origin of 'reskilling'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'reskill' combines 're' (again) and 'skill', originating in the early 21st century as the workplace began to change rapidly.
  • The prefix 're-' suggests doing something again, emphasizing the need to adapt and learn continuously in modern careers.

The term 'reskilling' is a relatively modern concept that has gained prominence in the context of rapid technological advancements and shifts in the labor market. The prefix 're-' suggests a returning or doing again, while 'skill' originates from the Old Norse word 'skil', meaning 'to separate or divide’, which evolved to signify 'ability or competence' in English. The combination reflects the necessity to adapt skills to new roles or duties, especially as industries evolve. This concept became particularly highlighted in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, paralleling the rise of the digital age and automation, prompting organizations and governments to focus on workforce development strategies that include reskilling initiatives to maintain economic competitiveness and address unemployment due to technological displacement.