The power of upskilling in today’s job market

At Cathedral Appointments, we talk a lot about upskilling and the need to bridge the skills gap that currently exists between candidates’ skillsets and available roles.

With the widening skills gap as new technologies and innovations enter the market, I was accurately aware that I wanted to undertake a course to both help improve my skillset and enable me to access more opportunities in future.

As a team, we are all keen to upskill. Georgia, one of our Senior Recruitment Consultants, recently qualified as a Level 3 CERT RP, and Ally, our Marketing Specialist, undertook a course to refresh her knowledge of Google Analytics following the introduction of GA4.

There’s the saying that ‘every day is school day’ and it’s our view that both candidates and businesses should undertake as many opportunities to enhance their skills as possible.

Why should you upskill?

By furthering my understanding of administrative processes and acquiring advanced skills, I aimed to improve efficiency, streamline operations, and implement best practices within my role.

This proactive approach not only supports my career progression but also demonstrates my commitment to excellence and continuous improvement in my work.

What does it mean for career opportunities in future?

While I have been successfully performing my administrative duties, I lacked formal qualifications specifically in administration. Upskilling provides me with the credentials and formal recognition that align with my practical experience, thereby validating my capabilities and bolstering my professional profile.

Whether it’s in admin, marketing, finance, or any other industry, adding qualifications to your CV shows willingness to grow, to learn and offers businesses a way of tapping into your growing knowledge.

How did you stay motivated while studying?

Of course, taking exams, doing course work or attending seminars, can be timely and often needs to be in your own personal time (unless this is pre agreed by your employer). So upskilling, can be a big commitment.

One of the most effective ways to stay motivated is to choose a subject that genuinely interests you. When you are passionate about what you are studying, learning feels less like a chore and more like an exciting journey.

Additionally, it helps to connect your studies to real-world applications, especially those that can enhance your current or future work. Seeing how your knowledge can directly impact your career can provide a powerful incentive to keep going. Set clear, achievable goals and remind yourself of the benefits your studies will bring, both personally and professionally.

How can I get started with upskilling?

• Evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and career goals.
• Identify skills that align with your passions and industry demands
• Discuss your upskilling goals with your manager or HR department.
• Highlight how acquiring new skills can benefit your role and the organisation

Ultimately, upskilling empowered me to take on more complex responsibilities, contribute more effectively to my team, and play a pivotal role in driving the success of Cathedral Appointments.

If you want advice on upskilling your team, reach out to us today and we’ll be happy to share our insights and get to know your business to identify any areas to improve.

And if you’re growing your own skillset, good luck. And remember, when it’s done, add it to your CV!