Week 1: The New World of Work

Technological advances are driving an accelerated rate of change in the world of work, affecting the types of jobs available, the fields in which we work, and the skills we need to succeed.

Did You Know?

According to the Stanford Future of Work Symposium:

• 45% of employers say their new hires are not prepared, whereas 72% of educators believe graduates are prepared for the world of work
• 85% of employers say the new employees have no soft (power) skills
• 60% of employers say the skills gap occurs in critical thinking, communication, speaking, and teaming

Skills = New Currency

Skills are the new currency. The more skills students develop, the more marketable they are.

• The skills needed for success are critical thinking, communication, creativity, and cultural fluency and this shift is occurring at an accelerated rate
• Skills have become the key driver of individual well-being and economic success in the 21st century (Source: OCED Skills Strategy Diagnostic Report)
• The jobs that are durable and “future proof” are jobs with people skills

Move Toward a Gig Economy

Our increasingly mobile workforce is leading us to a gig economy, where organizations contract with independent workers for short-term engagements and specific projects from a larger, global pool of applicants. (Source: Tech Target)

• By 2020, 40% of America’s workforce will be independent workers (Source: Intuit)
• Skills have become the key driver of individual well-being and economic success in the 21st century (Source: OCED Skills Strategy Diagnostic Report)
• It is no longer enough to have a degree; you need demonstrable skills to meet the demands of an increasingly complex workplace

New Fields of Work

Many fields of work are disappearing while others are being formed to meet the changing needs of our world.

• Skills in artificial intelligence (AI) are one of the fastest growing skills, with 190% increase from 2015-2017 (Source: LinkedIn)
• Current hiring trends are not seeking candidates with MBAs and computer science degrees but are inclined to hire data-informed people with degrees in data science and liberal arts
• Digitization is affecting all companies because of The Internet of Things (IoT). IoT is the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity which enable these objects to connect and exchange data
• Diversity is valued in the new economy, as diverse companies outperform ones that are not

Useful Links:

Forbes’ Workforce Trends
The Future of the Workforce

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"Facts are just not it – knowledge is great but knowing where to use that knowledge is more important." –Luke
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This animated video, produced by Orange County Career Education, shows how a combination of technical skills, industry-recognized certifications, employability preparation, and a rigorous general education will help you gain a competitive advantage in the new economy.
 

Visit the San Mateo County Office of Education's website to find out more about CTE Awareness Month.