Upskilling for the future: What you need to know
You might have heard about upskilling and its benefits – how staying up to date with your industry and learning new skills could help you move forward in your career.
And with so much change to how many of us are working and spending time lately, now could be a great time to think about what upskilling could look like for you.
It could also be an opportunity to look at which industries are in demand now, and the courses that could help you upskill or prepare for them.
Whatever your focus for upskilling, here’s what to know to get started.
There’s a new trend in how people are upskilling
Rather than upskilling to help in a current role, more people are now upskilling to prepare for the future.
SEEK research found that increasing numbers of New Zealanders (47%) are looking to upskill to prepare for the future, while those looking to upskill in their current role dropped from 67% to 61%. The research also showed that jobseekers are now upskilling to future proof their skills in the face of technological advancements and to better understand and harness AI in their career. 50% of workers say they plan to upskill or take part in formal training in the next 12 months due to artificial intelligence.
So, what does this mean for you?
Automation and the digital transformation of many workplaces means that employees have to keep up with a rapid pace of change. “Automation and AI are reshaping what ‘essential skills’ look like in many jobs,” says Nicole Gorton, Director of Robert Half. “The world is changing constantly and Australians are realising that it is vital to stay informed of the latest trends and sought-after skills in their industry."
The benefits of upskilling
Upskilling is valuable to not only you, but your employer as well.
Learning and applying new skills means you’re more likely to be seen as a valuable employee. And by upskilling, you’ll make yourself more marketable for new roles or promotions and stand out from your peers and colleagues.
“Employers increasingly look for candidates who can adapt to new technologies, including AI,” Gorton says. “An appetite for learning and an agile mindset signal that someone can evolve with the business as new tools and workflows emerge.”
Upskilling for the future of your career
If you’re looking to upskill to prepare for the future, you need to understand how your industry is changing and what skills are in demand. While in your current role, Gorton suggests looking at research trends and seeing what industry bodies are saying. She also suggests speaking to your employer to understand what continuous learning opportunities they offer and the different ways they can support staff development.
“Once you’ve developed a roadmap of the skills you would like to learn and improve, you can identify the best avenue to undertake learning,” Gorton says. “This could include joining professional associations, advancing education with a degree or certifications, seeking out internal professional development opportunities, finding a mentor, volunteering, or even just subscribing to industry news and journals to stay abreast of trends.”
The best upskilling opportunities
Upskilling is a cumulative process and there are many different opportunities, such as:
- Short-term training
- Keeping up to date with changes in your industry
- Attending virtual conferences or networking events
- Participating in formal feedback sessions
- Volunteering
- Being mentored
“Upskilling does not necessarily mean achieving accreditation in the most up-to-date technical skills, although that does hold value,” Gorton says. “Businesses will look to complement an increasingly automated business model with a workforce equipped to provide strategic and human insight so you should hone your soft skills.”
As well as focusing on developing your soft skills, consider participating in digital conferences and networking opportunities. “These can help you to have your finger on the pulse of industry trends, cross-pollinate ideas and resources with peers, build your interpersonal skills and expand your network,” Gorton says.
While upskilling can undoubtedly help you in your current role, it’s important to know that more and more people are upskilling with an eye on their future. No matter whether you want to upskill for your current role or expand your capabilities for a potential role, knowing how you can develop your skills is a great step to get you on your way.
Independent research conducted by Nature of behalf of SEEK, interviewing 4,000 Kiwis annually. Published January 2026.
