21st Century Skills for All

In our changing world the requirements for the workplace and the community keep shifting. We take a close look at 4 of the most important skills required in the 21st century: Entrepreneurial, Innovative, Lifelong Learning and Responsible Global Participants. Our young people need to aim to embody all these skills to survive in the future. 

In the 21st century, young people should aim to be entrepreneurial.

An entrepreneur is a person who sets up businesses, associations and organisations in the hopes of creating something positive. Usually, these ventures involve elements of risk. Risk-taking usually has negative connotations, but informed risk-taking can help you build a career. Taking risks while career-building can open new challenges, create invaluable opportunities and establish new personal limits. While taking risks in career-building can be rewarding, if the risks you take are too impulsive, they can have devastating effects. Knowing when to take a risk is a vital skill.

Entrepreneurship doesn't always involve starting a business. You can have the skills of an entrepreneur with an organisation that you work for. The phrase that many are using for people who are innovative within a workplace is intrapreneur.

There are common skills that are embodied by those recognised as entrepreneurs including:

• Optimism
• Initiative
• Interpersonal skills
• Critical and creative thinking skills

In the 21st century, young people should aim to be innovative.

Innovators are people who answer questions that have not yet been asked; they are people who create smart solutions to everyday challenges and people who try to see the world for what it could be, rather than what it is.

In the 21st century, young people should aim to be lifelong learners.

During your career, you should be constantly learning. This will ensure that you are able to secure and maintain work, make yourself eligible for promotions and achieve a greater sense of personal growth and satisfaction. By becoming a lifelong learner, you can make your professional life more rewarding and successful while safeguarding your employment status.

In the 21st century, young people should aim to be responsible global citizens.

A global citizen is an individual who is aware of their position in the world, understands global social issues and contributes to the community whenever possible. There are many ways you can increase your global awareness.

Free resource

You should never stop learning poster

Check out our blog post on Why it is Crucial for Educators to be Lifelong Learners. 

By practicing these skills young people are preparing themselves for the future of work. With so much changing on a yearly basis and global shifts in business delivery in response to global problems such as COVID-19 it is so important to always be prepared.