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The Australian workplace is changing. New technologies are being introduced which significantly change the way work is done. Challenges like COVID-19 have also led to rapid shifts in the economy and have created job uncertainty.

If you’re worried about finding a new job or staying employed during this unstable time, what can you do? Upskilling is a fantastic option that can help.

5 reasons to upskill in a struggling economy

Upskilling can enable you to close any knowledge gaps you have, keep your skills up-to-date and help you advance your skills in specialist areas. You may understandably feel anxious about investing time and money in learning during a down economy, but there’s no better time to upskill than now.

Read on to find out why:

Enjoy greater job satisfaction

If your work doesn’t fill you with joy, or you’re stuck in a repetitive routine, upskilling can help. Learning has been shown to improve your self-esteem. It can help renew your passion for what you do, make you feel more motivated and get your creative juices flowing. This can help give you greater overall job satisfaction. Your employer may even consider investing in your upskilling, as greater job satisfaction can lead to improved job retention. This is especially important right now as research suggests that 43% of Australians plan to change jobs in the next 12 months.

Have more job security

COVID-19 restrictions have led to unemployment rates rising and falling unexpectedly in Australia since early 2020. This has created job uncertainty, with some businesses closing and others laying off staff to reduce costs. Through upskilling, you can stay up to date in your industry and add specific skills, helping to differentiate yourself from other workers while adding value to the business. Upskilling not only enables you to be better at your job every day, but it can also help make sure you are ready for the future of work. All of this can make you indispensable to employers, providing you with far stronger job security in the current economy.

Open the doors to new opportunities

By upskilling, you will keep your knowledge up to date, and you will also help the business you work for stay relevant and competitive in the industry. This makes you more valuable to an employer and may lead to more responsibilities or even being considered for a promotion. Upskilling could also open the doors to more job opportunities in other businesses.

Increase your chances of getting a pay rise

With many businesses being hit hard because of the pandemic, pay rises are not entirely out of the question, but they may be much harder to obtain. By showing that you have new skills that add greater value to the business or that you’re able to work more productively due to your learning (which can save your employer time and money), you could help increase your chances of securing a pay rise in your next review.

Find an exciting new career path

Upskilling could help you uncover a new passion, which may lead to an unexpected and fulfilling career change. Some industries in Australia are facing huge skills shortages, so actively reskilling in these particular areas could provide you with lots of new opportunities while helping to fuel economic recovery.

How to upskill

Initially, take some time to review your current position and outline your career goals. Next, work out how you plan to achieve these and what upskilling you will need.

You could decide to read books, watch YouTube videos, find a mentor, and search online for relevant articles to upskill. But what better way to gain relevant skills than with a nationally recognised qualification that has been developed by vocational experts? It will look impressive on your CV too!

Open Colleges are one of Australia’s leading online education providers. With courses in health, business, trade, childhood education, design and technology, you’re sure to find something that fits your upskilling needs. Courses are also run online, giving you the flexibility to fit your learning around any existing commitments.

Upskill with Open Colleges’ selection of courses and help bridge the gap between where you are now and where you see your career in the future.