12 August Micro Credentials for Mid Career Workers August 12, 2020By ICI Administrator Aspire 0 By Josh Hallam, General Manager, Institute of Civil Infrastructure Once we have entered the workforce in our chosen career, whether it be straight out of school, via an apprenticeship or after tertiary study, then we have completed all the education we need right? Not quite. In today’s world, micro-credentials provide managers and leaders flexible, low-time, low-cost and hyper-targeted learning to further develop. As the needs of the team you’re managing change, technology advances and industries evolve, it’s important that managers and leaders continue to upskill to stay ahead and stay relevant. Similar to the phone you were using at university is now outdated, so is some of the content you learned. Results from a report commissioned by Google Australia (see graph) show that over the coming years workers are expected to spend an additional 8,000 hours engaging in education and training over their working lives than managers of the past. That’s an additional 3 hours per week to what we are used to today. Lifelong learning needs to be embraced by industries and organisations to achieve sustainable success, improve employee engagement and maximise business outcomes. (Future Skills Report, alphabeta, 2018) As a mid-career worker, flexibility and relevance are the two most important factors to consider when engaging in education, training and professional development. The learning mode and delivery method has to be in alignment with your already busy schedule and competing priorities. Engaging in ongoing lectures at a set time each week for months on end is not ideal, hence the growth of online/distance education platforms. More important, is the need for relevance in your micro-credential in both the content and context of the learning undertaken. Short, sharp and relevant information, delivered by a reputable and relatable institution or source from your industry provides the impactful, role-related learning required to close your skill gaps and improve your level of capability within your current role. Related Posts Adding To Your Career Toolbox Consider your career skills as tools inside your tool box. When you have the right tools, of the right quality, you can get the job done efficiently and to a high standard. What happens though when the right tool isn’t there? Setting Goals for your Career Plan Have you ever wondered why one individual is more successful than another? It’s not because they are smarter, well, in some ways yes but it’s not brain smarts. It’s because they take the time to plan, they look at what it is that they are setting out to achieve and break it down into bite size chunks. They create a road map so they know exactly where they are starting, the steps that need to be taken to achieve the ultimate goal and they don’t stop there. They regularly review their progress and make deviations to the plan if it is to serve them. A $450 billion pipeline with record low numbers of skilled workers The current economic climate and forecast staffing/skills shortages have combined to create an atmosphere in which developing and retaining staff are crucial to business success. It’s increasingly apparent that contractors who invest in teams, who develop learning pathways and provide their staff with the skills needed to be successful will experience a significant commercial advantage. Continuing Professional Development Why choose continuing professional development to enhance your career journey? More now than ever, you need an edge over the competition to not only secure a new position but to provide proof to your employer why you deserve that pay rise or the current career advancement/promotion. Invest In You In 2020 In the following opinion piece, David Castledine, CEO of CCF NSW and the Institute of Civil Infrastructure, shares his personal approach to professional development. In my view, everyone should invest some time in personal learning. It’s good for themselves and their career, and it’s good for the industry. Everyone knows this, but few do it, particularly in the civil industry. Here is the strategy I have honed over my 40-year working career; it has taken me from Apprentice to CEO. 91% of employers are experiencing a skills shortage Outlined in a recent Infrastructure Partnership Australia Pipeline report is evidence of a ‘once in a generation’ pipeline of civil works. The report identifies the pipeline in our region as having a value of 713.9 billion dollars, representing significant growth opportunities for our industry; as these projects come online. Comment (0) Comments are closed.