Strategies

• Skills development targets specific areas of employability.
• Entry-level skills for an academic program and/or employment.
• Skill development builds on existing skills.  
• Prior learning is tied to new learning. 

Examples

• Training for specific entry-level or more advanced skills (e.g., customer service, management, manufacturing).
• Employer-sponsored upskilling programs for specific skills (e.g., Amazon upskill programs in robotics and IT, GUILD) 
• Skills development for employability (e.g., computer skills, writing skills, math skills).
• Learning and development programs developed by employers to skill employees (e.g., Apple, IBM, Google, Marriott International).
• Industry training offered by industry associations (e.g., SHRM, AHLA, OSHA).
• Skills training, MOOCs, or credentials offered by e-learning platforms (e.g., Coursera, Edx, Udemy).
• Skills build on prior learning.

Things to Consider

• Skills Mapping
  • Which skills are needed for key employment opportunities?
  • Which skills are needed for work advancements?
  • Which skills are already being taught in academic programs (non-credit and credit)?
• How do prior skills fit into reskilling and upskilling?

Why Use This Strategy

• Helps learners develop new skills and expand existing ones.
• Gives learners entry points into academic programs.
• May speed entry into employment or enhance upward mobility within it.