Reskilling Vs. Upskilling: Key Differences & Resources

Adapting to changes in the job market has become more important than ever. Whether you’re looking to move up in your current role or switch to an entirely new career, both reskilling and upskilling are valuable approaches to staying relevant and advancing professionally. Let’s explore the differences between the two, why they matter, and how SkillUp can help you choose the best path for your future.

What’s the Difference Between Reskilling and Upskilling?

Reskilling and upskilling both focus on acquiring new skills, but they have different purposes. Put simply, upskilling helps you build on the abilities you already have, while reskilling involves learning job skills that are completely different from those you already use. Knowing when to pursue either can shape your career in meaningful ways.

The skills you can develop with reskilling and upskilling aren’t limited to technical skills, either. You can also develop soft skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving to help you stay competitive in your career and show employers that you’re a lifelong learner. Staying open to learning and new experiences helps you stay ahead of the game for new opportunities.

What Is Reskilling?

Reskilling is the process of learning new skills that are completely different from those you already use in your current job. This can happen when your role is being phased out due to shifts in the economy or automation or if you decide your current role or industry is no longer something you want to pursue. For instance, a factory worker may choose to reskill for a career in technology or healthcare, which are both fields with strong demand and opportunities for growth.

Reskilling often involves some type of further education such as certificate programs, online courses, or classes through a local vocational school or community college. At SkillUp, we can connect you with a wide variety of online learning opportunities to help you develop the skills required for your new career. Our career path approach will walk you through the process of choosing your next career, selecting a training program, and updating your resume to reflect your new experience.

What Is Upskilling?

Upskilling means expanding your current knowledge to become better at your existing job or to keep pace with new developments in your field. You can think of it as leveling up skills you already have. For example, a graphic designer might learn new software to remain competitive, or a full-stack web developer might learn a new programming language to become more valuable to employers.

Like reskilling, upskilling may involve some form of additional education. Online courses are a common option, but there are several other upskilling strategies available that you may not have considered:

• In-house training: Your current company might offer mentorship or training programs that will connect you with a team member who is an expert in the skill you want to learn. Apprenticeships and Earn & Learn careers are other options for learning on the job.
• In-person training: This type of upskilling training can vary from a conference or workshop in another city to courses through local certification programs or colleges. This option is helpful for those who learn best in a traditional classroom setting or who want to network with their fellow learners.
• Project opportunities:If you prefer to learn by doing, this can be a great option to upskill. You might inquire if there is a project at your current company that you can join to develop your skills, or you could undertake freelance projects. Plus, each time you finish a project, you will have a new addition to your portfolio to show employers the breadth of your abilities.

Why Reskill and Upskill?

Reskilling and upskilling involve investments of time and, sometimes, money, but both avenues provide a wealth of advantages for your career:

• Job security: Learning new skills helps you adapt to changes in the workforce and makes you more flexible and valuable to employers.
• Higher income: Both approaches can lead to higher-paying jobs through promotions or entering higher-paying industries.
• Relationships and networking: Building relationships with others in your field can open the door to new opportunities, such as new positions, collaborations, and more.
• Increased job satisfaction: Gaining new skills allows you to grow professionally and tackle new challenges, which can lead to more rewarding work experiences.
• Future-proofed career: Developing new abilities enables you to prepare for the jobs of the future so you stay competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.

Reskilling might be a better choice if:

• Your current job is disappearing due to changes in technology or market trends.
• You’re seeking a new career in a field that offers more growth and stability.
• You’re ready to pursue a completely new direction in your professional life.

Upskilling may be the right path for you if:

• You’re satisfied in your current industry but want to stay competitive or advance.
• You want to keep pace with industry trends and innovations.
• You’re aiming for a leadership or specialist position in your current field.

How Can You Upskill or Reskill?

At SkillUp, we’re committed to helping you pursue skills training to maximize your career growth. By partnering with trusted training providers, we connect you with courses that align with your career goals, whether you’re looking to sharpen existing skills or develop entirely new ones.

• Career guidance: From helping you understand your work style to free career coaching, we offer tools to help you explore your interests and identify which skills are most in-demand so you can more easily plan your next steps.
• Training programs: With SkillUp, you can access a wide variety of upskilling and reskilling programs in exciting fields like business, healthcare, and technology. Some programs are even free, and many have financial aid available.
• Job support: If you’re looking to transition into a new field, we can also help connect you with employers who are actively looking for fresh talent.