The 2019 economy will need to transition to a 202X economy. That means a new skills mix.
When or if we return to something like normal, discoveries cannot be unmade. We are changing the way we shop, the way we work, the way we see the doctor and the way we socialise. Some of those changes are accelerating existing trends, others permanent shifts. And that means some jobs will disappear, and others will be created. And that means lots of us will need to acquire new skills to do our job in a different way or to get a new job. At the same time, we can transfer some of our existing skills to these new roles. Consider so-called “soft skills”, or as we prefer to call them, “meta-skills”. Critical thinking, empathy, problem solving are not unique to any single industry.
KPMG works with employers of all shapes and sizes, we see how their needs are changing. We work with Further and Higher education providers and we advise on how to respond to this changing market. And we work with learners, as one of the biggest learning providers in Europe, KPMG understands first hand how skills needs are changing.
It is hard, today, to know exactly what skills the economy of the future will need, or how quickly things will change. Some changes are almost unknowable until we see how hybrid working, well, works. Other changes are clearer, but with uncertain timing. For example, how quickly will we see new jobs in the green economy? Still other changes are more predictable, a combination of automation and changes to consumer behaviour means we will definitely need fewer workers in retail. But demographics and a healthcare backlog will see demand for care workers increase.
Our Connected Skills propositions help employers, providers and learners understand the future demand and supply of skills at a detailed level so that we can make some decisions today and make a start on reskilling the UK.
