?? Introducing: The Language of Skills Podcast with Me!
The conversation around what makes someone 'employable' is changing. With the shift in the world of work driven by digital transformation - automation, AI, and rapid market shifts are the norm, success is no longer solely defined by degrees and qualifications as a proxy of employment.
Instead, the true measure of value is shifting towards the skills that people bring to the table—skills that are adaptable, practical, and future-proof.
This is why I'm excited to share an idea I've been working on—"The Language of Skills" podcast launching in February 2025.
This podcast is about exploring how we need to reframe our understanding of education, employment, and what it means to be ready for the future of work.
I'll dive deep into how skills—not degrees—are becoming the currency of the future and how we can prepare the next generation for a world where adaptability and lifelong learning are the keys to success.
Why Skills Are the New Currency>
Think about how much the world of work has changed in just the last decade. New roles are emerging that didn’t even exist a few years ago, while some traditional careers are fading away. In this context, having the right degree doesn’t always equate to having the right skills.
Employers are increasingly prioritising candidates who can solve problems, innovate, and adapt to fast-paced changes over those with a particular qualification on paper.
On "The Language of Skills" podcast, I will talk with those on the frontlines of this transition:
- Industry Leaders who are redefining what makes a great hire in today's world.
- Educators who are pioneering new pathways that focus on practical experience and industry relevance.
- Young People who have thrived by choosing unconventional routes that don’t necessarily involve university degrees.
The Rise of Micro-Credentials
We'll also explore the rise of micro-credentials as a viable alternative to traditional degrees.
领英推荐
Micro-credentials aren't something new in the market - the term has been hyped more recently. Micro-credentials are simply smaller, targeted qualifications that allow learners to build skills as they need them—responding directly to the needs of the workforce.
These credentials are gaining traction in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and globally, as a way to keep up with the pace of industry change.
By focusing on skills rather than qualifications, we open up more diverse opportunities for learning and growth.
I bang on about this all the time, but soon will come the day in the near future where young people leave high school with a portfolio of skills—real, tangible evidence that they are ready to make a contribution. Not just academic grades, but proof of creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and resilience. This is the vision I want to discuss, debate, and explore on the podcast.
Building a Skills-First Future
But this isn't just about the future workforce; it's about how we think about learning throughout our lives. Lifelong learning is becoming an essential part of the way we approach our careers. The most successful individuals aren’t those who got the 'right' degree at 22, but those who keep learning, adapting, and evolving their skills over time. This podcast aims to capture those stories and provide a roadmap for how we can all embrace a skills-first mindset.
Join the Conversation
"The Language of Skills" podcast is designed to be an ongoing conversation—a dialogue that includes you. I want this to be relevant, provocative, and insightful.
This means I need your input:
- What are the biggest challenges you see in shifting from degrees to skills?
- Which voices should we feature—who’s making waves in this space that we should hear from?
The future of work and education is something we build together. The more we understand how skills fit into this evolving landscape, the better we can prepare ourselves, our young people, and our communities for what’s next. Let’s start talking the language of skills.
Drop your thoughts in the comments, share your ideas, and let’s shape the future of work together. If you're as excited as I am about this shift, I'd love to hear from you—maybe even have you on the podcast! ????
?? #LanguageOfSkills #Podcast #FutureOfWork #SkillsOverDegrees #LifelongLearning #Aotearoa2035
Educational Strategy | Learning Design | EdTech
4 个月This is great Shaun, an important conversation. Would be useful to understand what needs to change for there to be a greater emphasis on skills at a national level. Stackable skills based micro-learning would fundamentally shift how we conceptualise a university qualification but I’m not convinced degrees and skills are necessarily destined to be mutually exclusive.
Learning and Development Manager-Early in Career
4 个月Go Shaun Gear you good thing! Shot bro!
Graduate Career Coach @ University of Otago | Master of Career Development
4 个月Kia ora Shaun, I've a biased opinion as I work in a tertiary environment, but I don't think it is a shift from degrees to skills, its a shift to recognising and noticing the skills that are being taught and learnt. Only then can students learn which skills they like to perform, or not, plus are able to recognise what their strengths are! #SkillsInDegrees #SkillsAndStrengths #EvidencingOfSkills
Passionate people person
4 个月Love how you are shaping the thinking about future focussed skills e hoa and the proof to show meaningful connections for rangathi to see how their skills learnt in curriculum and other areas, align to pathways. Ka mau te wehi!
Chair @WeCreate
4 个月Love that you're not only thinking about this, but that you're also acting on it Shaun! So much of our education system needs to change to help learners ( rangatahi and those needing to re-skill) to develop the skills they need across their working life. Look forward to both listening and, if useful, contributing.