• The workplace and work is rapidly changing.

• Many segments of the economy are feeling the effect of the digital revolution.

• There are 7 skills young people need to survive the changing world of work.

There is increasing discussion about the future of work.

A recent example is the CBC Radio program, “Ideas” which aired a series of discussions on this topic.

The program mentions:

• Computers can land airplanes, diagnose cancer and trade stocks better than humans.

• Robots with emotional intelligence software can read a person’s feelings. They use the tone of their voice and interact accordingly. Such robots are being tested with nursing home residents.

• Robots can monitor and flip a whole grill of hamburgers. They can slice and dice tomatoes and pickles and other toppings.

The questions is “How long do you think it is before machines do your job better than you do?”

Work and the workplace is changing radically.

CURRENT TRENDS:

• Technology is challenging benefits.

• Average workers are not benefiting.

• Outsourcing and temporary contracts are battering the labour market.

• Many segments of the economy are feeling the effects.

• More people are competing for the remaining jobs.

The World Economic Forum of Geneva, Switzerland recently published an article.

It outlines the seven skills that children need to survive the changing world of work.

This article refers to the work of Dr. Tony Wagner. He is co-director of Harvard’s Change Leadership Group.

Dr. Wagner identifies seven skills that every child needs to survive in the coming world of work. It references his book The Global Achievement Gap,

THE 7 SKILLS:

1. Critical thinking and problem-solving: –Workers need critical thinking skills. They must be able to ask the right questions to get to the root of a problem.

2. Collaboration across networks and leading by influence: –The ability to influence and work together as a team is increasingly important. This is also the key to becoming an effective leader.

3. Agility and adaptability: –The ability to adapt and pick up new skills quickly is vital for success.

4. Initiative and entrepreneurialism: –Often people and businesses suffer from a tendency to be risk-averse.

5. Effective oral and written communication: –We need to clearly communicate our ideas both verbally and in writing.

6. Accessing and analyzing information: –Sifting through rapidly changing information to find relevant information is a challenge.

7. Curiosity and imagination: –Curiosity and imagination are what drive innovation and are key to problem solving.

When organizing group coaching for our youth, we can assist them in acquiring the above skills.

You can read more and find more information at:

http://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/artificial-intelligence-robots-and-the-future-of-work-part-1-1.4286200

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/09/skills-children-need-work-future/

Please share your ideas on how we can assist our youth to gain the above skills.