FOCUS ON VERSATILITY

WORKERS must bolster their soft skills if they want to remain relevant in an increasingly technological world. Experts say IT and analytical proficiencies must also be boosted if employees are going to meet the demands of an automated workforce.

Two in three jobs are expected to rely on soft skills by 2030, with soft-skill intensive roles to grow at 2½ times the rate of other jobs.

RMIT Online chief executive Helen Souness says with the digital disruption already taking hold, now is the time for workers to ensure they have the skills necessary to remain in demand.

“The incredible importance of soft skills in the workplace shouldn’t be left to chance,” Souness says. “These (skills) include everything from creativity to collaboration and empathy to agility – and they’re increasingly important as our work changes in the face of automation and artificial intelligence.”

Technical skills, such as high-level programming, coding and software design, will also be critical, as evidenced in the growing demand for computer and data scientists, Souness says.

RMIT Online has launched a cluster of short courses focusing on hard and soft skills required to “future-proof” careers. Souness says there has been a huge response from employers who are keen to ensure workers are prepared for the changing workplace.

However, the Australian Industry Group warns digital changes are outpacing the capabilities of education and training institutions.

Software company Qlik regional director and vice president Sharryn Napier says 19 per cent of graduate entrylevel workers have data literacy skill, despite it being a fundamental requirement for future workers.

“At the accelerating pace at which data is being created and consumed, students preparing to enter today’s workforce need exceptionally strong analytical skills and tools to stay up-to-date with the rapid change,” she says.