Why Upskilling Matters

39% of people’s core skills are expected to change by 2030

The work your team does today won’t be the work your team does in five years. Technology is changing faster than ever, and the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 estimates that 39% of workers’ core skills will change by 2030.

At the same time, experienced workers across Europe are retiring faster than young talents can replace them. Skills cannot only come from hiring alone, they have to come from the people within organisations.

Whether you’re leading a company or building your career, upskilling can help you stay competitive and relevant.

Skill needs are evolving

In many industries, the skills required today are not the same as those needed just a few years ago. Professionals are increasingly expected to work with new technologies and tools. The transition towards more digital and sustainable products and services are creating new competence needs.

This means that education can no longer be seen as something completed once at the beginning of a career. Knowledge needs to be updated continuously as these technologies, methods, and expectations develop. Upskilling makes it possible to build on existing expertise and develop the skills needed to meet new demands in a current role or prepare for new responsibilities over time.

Demographic shifts leading to workforce shrinking and skills shortages

The EU’s working-age population is declining. Fast. By 2040, the workforce is projected to shrink by close to two million people every year. By 2050, close to a third of EU citizens will be 65 or older, shifting the ratio of working-age adults to retirees from around 3:1 to 2:1, and taking decades of valuable experience with them.

At the same time, fewer young people with up-to-date knowledge are entering the job market to replace them. According to ManPowergroup 72% of employers said they are struggling to find the skilled talent they need.

Organisaitons can no longer assume the expertise you need will be available on the market when you need it. More and more, the answer has to come from within: developing the people already on your team.

Benefits of upskilling for your organisation

Makes your organisation more resilient

With technologies shifting fast, and skills predicted change over the coming years, organisations with a culture of continuous learning and workers adaptable to change will be more resilient and built for disruption.

Bridges skill gaps with existing employees

With predicted labour shortages, external hiring might not be able to cover the skills an organisation needs. Upskilling existing employees is both faster and cheaper.

Increases productivity

Companies that focus on continuous learning see higher productivity and higher profit. Better-skilled teams deliver better results.

Improves rentention

Employees with upskilling opportunities are more likely to stay, and be more engaged at work while they do. Learning can be a powerful retention strategy when the job market is scarce.

Benefits of upskilling for you as an employee

Your skills stay current

Roles and tools change faster than they used to. Upskilling keeps your knowledge up to date with what your field actually requires, rather than what it required when you started.

More career options

Broader skills lead to broader options, within your current role, across your organisation, or in a new direction. Professionals who keep developing tend to have more pathways available to them.

Greater adaptability

As automation and technology reshape work, adaptability matters. Continuous learning makes it easier to take on new responsibilities and adjust when roles or industries shift.

Better performance in your current role

Most people who upskill do so to do their existing job better. New knowledge translates directly into how effectively you handle the work in front of you.

Why Chalmers?

Drawing on the research expertise and strong industry collaborations of Chalmers University of Technology, the academy provides course modules designed to help professionals develop the skills needed for tomorrow.

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Ny satsning på upskilling

I början av 2026 startar Chalmers Upskilling Academy, en ny satsning från Chalmers som kommer att erbjuda kompetensutveckling och vidareutbildning…