The Future of Learning: Why Skills Matter More Than Ever.

As we come to the end of NCEA examinations, many parents and increasingly, employers are questioning the traditional pathways young people take when entering the workforce.

Traditional pathways once offered a one-size-fits-all route to stability and prosperity, but the landscape is shifting. The future demands a new approach one that focuses on agility, adaptability, and real-world skills. The idea of “skills-first” is gaining traction, and it’s time we explored what this means for our young people.

The New Language of Skills

Employers today are increasingly prioritising practical, demonstrable skills over formal qualifications.

This isn’t about devaluing education I currently contract with three of Aotearoa’s largest tertiary institutions. It’s about recognising that what someone can do often holds more weight than what’s printed on a certificate.

Here’s the distinction:

• Skills are about what you can do.

• Qualifications signify what you know.

• Competencies blend skills, knowledge, and behaviours, enabling effective performance in a specific context.

This is where the concept of "skills-first" organisations comes into play. These companies place greater emphasis on the competencies a person brings rather than the qualifications they hold.

People often tell me, "But competencies are developed through studying." My response? Yes and no. While studying builds knowledge and requires certain competencies, these aren’t always the ones employers value.

For example, completing a degree might show perseverance and theoretical understanding, but employers often look for problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability qualities that can be developed through diverse experiences, not just traditional study.

For parents helping their young person make decisions about their future, and for school leavers wondering which path to take, understanding the language of skills and what skills-first organisations value is vital.

Rethinking Long-Term Qualifications

Long-term degrees have their place, but they come with significant risks:

• High tuition fees.

• Large debts.

• A long-term commitment to a path that may not align with future job markets.

Before committing to a multi-year degree, it’s crucial to ask:

• What skills will this qualification help me build?

• Are these skills valued in today’s and tomorrow’s job markets?

• Could I gain them in a more flexible, targeted way?

For many young people, starting with shorter, targeted learning opportunities such as micro-credentials, short courses, or certifications offers more flexibility. These approaches allow them to test different fields, discover what excites them, and stack credentials over time, building a unique portfolio of skills without the burden of heavy debt.

Stacking Skills, Not Just Degrees

Think of bite-sized credentials as building blocks. Instead of one large, unwieldy degree, imagine a series of smaller, more specific pieces that stack together over time. This approach creates a skills portfolio that is both comprehensive and flexible.

Each micro-credential or certification adds value, proving to potential employers that you are committed to lifelong learning and that you can adapt to different roles and challenges.

Many industries are evolving so quickly that the skills needed today might be obsolete in five years. Stacking skills offers the flexibility to stay relevant, while also enabling young people to specialise as they gain more insight into their interests and strengths.

Considerations for Parents and Young People

If you’re a parent guiding your young person, or a young person considering your next steps, here are some important factors to consider:

1. Industry Demand: Research growing industries and the skills they value. Targeted courses often align more closely with employer needs than traditional degrees.

2. Experiment First: Try a short course, internship, or micro-credential to test your interests without committing to years of study.

3. Seek Skills-First Employers: Many progressive companies prioritise competencies over degrees. Look for organisations that partner with educational providers or support micro-credentialing.

4. Be Financially Savvy: Consider the financial burden of traditional education. Sometimes, smaller investments upfront make more sense, especially if they avoid significant debt and keep options open.

A Future Built on Skills

The future of work is about flexibility and growth not rigid pathways or hefty qualifications. Skills-first organisations are leading this change, seeking individuals with adaptability, creativity, and a passion for lifelong learning. These qualities are often developed through diverse experiences, rather than traditional degrees alone.

Parents, as your school leaver stands at the crossroads, help them consider their options carefully. Think about how they can build a toolkit that will serve them not just today, but in an ever-changing future.

Start small. Stack skills. Remember the path doesn’t have to be traditional to lead to success.

The world is changing, and the way we learn must change with it. We need to embrace a future where skills not titles are the true measure of potential.

✉️ #SkillsFirst #FutureOfWork #MicroCredentials #LifelongLearning #Aotearoa2035