The title in itself poses a challenge. Not everyone likes change and our new normal takes some time getting used to. With the whole world in a sense of panic, the economy taking a hit, and businesses trying to keep afloat; the last thing businesses are thinking about is training.
The coronavirus has affected the livelihood and wellbeing of everyone around the world, putting millions of people’s health at risk. The future may look daunting right now, but changing our way of life is not an insurmountable task. We have the opportunity to explore all concepts of learning at any given time, anywhere. Even though the current pandemic is affecting everyone, there is some light at the end of this dark tunnel.
Companies all over the world have taken the initiative and embraced the technological/digital change that has been forced upon us. Many of us are now able to work remotely and resume our duties from the comfort of our homes, contributing to helping curb the spread of the dreaded COVID-19 virus. With this in effect, things might still seem slow because not all industries are operational; BUT it is important to remember that this won’t last the rest of our lives and we will be back to normal in no time. The question is, will you be ready for the “new normal” and will this become a positive long term movement?
This is the time to create and develop greater resilience and allocate time towards skills development to ensure that you and your employees are up to date and trained in respective areas where skills gaps have been identified. In actual fact, this must be seen as part of your emergency response to ensure that once the green light is given to physically open your company doors again, staff are optimally upskilled, new regulations are adhered to and future business ventures can operate smoothly.
Let me put this in perspective: The new National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS III) was implemented on the 1st of April 2020 for the next 10 years. This new strategy’s vision includes the elimination of poverty and inequality, increased access to occupationally directed programs, improved skill levels, and building a longer and stronger partnership between stakeholders and social partners. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, online courses/webinars are a new way of developing skills and training.
Basically, this is the FUTURE and despite the fact that COVID-19 has impacted everything we know and love, it has also opened a door for all to utilise and a readiness to engage in future digital learning. Upskilling and skills development will remain priorities for years to come, and will always refer to the identification of skills gaps and developing the existing skills to enable a person to either achieve their goals, expand their knowledge or adhere to new legislation and requirements that their industry demands.
The administration involved in businesses upskilling their employees, especially during COVID-19, may seem intimidating to both employees and employers BUT that’s where SEESA jumps in and saves the day! SEESA Skills Training offers both “COVID-19 Health Risk Assessments” and “Health & Hygiene in the Workplace (COVID-19 edition)” webinars, along with a variety of courses covering areas that are essential in running your business, thus contributing to having a workforce skilled and ready in advance of going back into the world of business.
“You can never control the wind, but you can always adjust your sails” – Kristen Proby
Contact your nearest SEESA office for more information about Skills Development or the webinars we offer.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chanel Geske current SEESA Cape Town skills development facilitator has 2 years’ experience in new business development. Chanl started at SEESA as a marketing consultant in 2018 and became a SDF at SEESA from 2019.