The Acquisition of Skills and Expertise

Abstract

Today's workforce faces a rapidly changing environment. During the last 12 months alone, workers have faced being displaced by collapses in sectors based on changing consumer habits, not to mention those whose roles became redundant overnight by the closure of many companies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A more fragile working environment, the increase in the age of retirement, and rapid changes in economy and consumer habits indicate that it is more important than ever for individuals need to be equipped with skills that enable them to move from one sector to another without necessitating the need for lengthy retraining or upskilling. Moreover, the recent government agenda and growing demand for the integration of learning in a working environment also signals that less time will be spent in classrooms and lecture rooms. This chapter gives insight into which this conundrum can be unpicked and approached through skillful curriculum design and practices needed for the 21st century workforce.