Reskilling
Reskilling is learning entirely new skills to transition into a different role or career, often in response to industry changes or personal choice.
Reskilling involves acquiring fundamentally new skills to move into a different career or occupation, rather than building on existing expertise. This is different from upskilling, which enhances skills within your current path.
The need for reskilling has grown as automation and digital transformation make some roles obsolete while creating new ones. Workers in declining industries may need to reskill to remain employable, while others choose to reskill for personal fulfilment or better opportunities.
Reskilling can be challenging—it means starting again in some respects—but transferable skills from your previous career still have value. Many successful career changers find that their unique background gives them fresh perspectives in their new field.
Key Points
- Learning new skills for a different career or role
- Often necessary due to industry changes or automation
- Transferable skills from previous careers remain valuable
- May require significant time investment in training
- Can be supported by government programmes and employers
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reskilling typically take?
It varies widely by field. Some career changes require years of education; others can be achieved through bootcamps or certifications in months. Research your target field's requirements.
Will I have to start at entry level when reskilling?
Often yes, but not always. Your transferable skills, professional maturity, and any relevant experience may help you start above true entry level. Negotiate based on what you bring.