There is a sharp rise in the level of unemployment in the World especially in developing countries. Youths within the age of 16-27 years can hardly find fitting jobs even graduates from our various institutions. This situation is appalling but truth be told, until we equip our youths with various skill sets, the labor market will remain this way as we won’t have more employers instead of employees.
These unemployment factor has given rise to various crimes such as stealing, engaging in cyber crimes and other anti-social activities.
Schooling doesn't assure employment, skills does" - Amit Kalantri, Wealth of Words
The truth of the matter is that only going to school doesn’t fully guarantee employment. Having a skill gives an upper hand when combined with acquired school knowledge. The world has grown to the extent where you either have skills to offer or you end up redundant. Thus, the topic “SKILL UP OR GO STARVING”.
THE NEED FOR SKILLS
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Skills can be defined as “ the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance OR dexterity or coordination especially in the execution of learned physical tasks OR a learned power of doing something competently: a developed aptitude or ability”.
From the above definition, we can deduce that our society is in need of more people who can use their knowledge effectively in execution, practically apply this knowledge and develop an ability.
All skills are learnable" - Brain tracy, Best seller Author.
TYPES OF SKILLS
In workforce, skills are divided into 2 main parts:
Technical Skills:
Technical skills can be subdivided into two parts, namely;
Technical handwork skills:
These are skills which refer to the acquired knowledge, expertise, and interactions needed to perform a specific task, including the mastery of required materials or tools.
Examples of technical handwork skills are: Craftsmanship, Electricians, Mason, builders, hair styling, cloth making, automobile and machine repairs, shoe making and many others.
Digital skills:
In our present age, digital skills cut across all other types of skills as our world as become digital through the use of advanced technologies like the computer, telephones and other devices.
Examples of digital skills includes programming, coding, technical writing, digital marketing, online trading and many others.
The other main type of skills is SOFT SKILLS
Soft skills:
It can be subdivided into two parts, namely;
Cognitive skills: This involves the ability to understand complex problems, critical thinking and ones ability to adapt to his environment.
Examples of Cognitive skills are Foundational literacy, numeracy, critical thinking abilities, problem solving abilities, multi-tasking and others.
Cognitive skills is based on ones exposure, experience and knowledge.
Socio-economic skills:
This involves the ability to control interpersonal and social situations effectively.
Examples of Socio-economic skills are Leadership skills, good communication skills, relational skills, teamwork and many others.
After carefully understanding the types of skills, the next question that springs up is Why should we skill up?
BENEFITS OF SKILLING UP
For everyone that wants to remain relevant and impact your society, it's important that you acquire some of these skills.
Also, the world is looking for solution providers not liabilities. People who have what it takes to make things work.
Furthermore, Skills make you rich. The world richest people today acquired their money through an acquired skill.
We need Changemakers!!
USEFUL TIPS:
The next question lurking in our mind now is How do I skill up?
The internet we have today have made information available to us at our fingertips. With access to the internet, one can access courses, watch live training videos, apply for virtual learning and internships, ask for help and mentorship from experienced people both far and near.
Useful websites for Skill acquisition are:
- Udemy.com (for online courses with certifications)
- Coursera.com ( for online courses with certifications)
- Get a LinkedIn account, build your portfolio and follow mentors and prominent businessmen and women.
- w3schools.com ( for programming classes)
- Take google free courses on digital marketing and other soft skills.
Remember that the internet has lots of information waiting for us to access at our convenience.
So what are you waiting for? 🤷♀️ THE RIGHT TIME IS NOW.
You feel motivated for new things right?
Remember that:
Skills make you rich, not theories" - Robert Kiyosaki, Bestselling Author.
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