Strategic Upskilling: Fusing Technical Expertise with Human Capabilities

Abstract

The modern world is marked with high rates of technological development, globalization and dynamic workforce. In this regard, the traditional education models are becoming questioned on whether they can impart the desired competencies on graduates to lead them to success. This review paper holds that paradigm shifts towards skill-based education which focuses on skills integration of both hard and soft skills; is an urgent need of the time. The paper discusses the available literature in defining and distinguishing between hard and soft skills, the increasing need of a holistic skillset in the 21st century workforce and considers different models of skill-based education. In addition to this, it explains the advantages and problems of adopting such a teaching method. To summarize, the paper ends by critically discussing the implications of skill-based education regarding different stakeholders and recommending on future research and practice.

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