Industry 4.0: skills for the future and learning development

Authors

  • Rebecca Wilson University of St Andrews

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi32.1462

Keywords:

lifelong learning, industry 4.0, future ready skills

Abstract

The world and the workforce are changing with the rise of Industry 4.0, or the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with a shift towards automation and digital technology, and this is coupled with other global shifts such as the climate crisis. Organisations such as the World Economic Forum, the International Labour Organisation, and Skills Development Scotland believe Industry 4.0 will change the way we work and live, with implications for everyone. These organisations argue that we need to become lifelong learners and develop future-ready skills, most notably adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. But what does this mean for Learning Developers? Firstly, we need to consider how and if our own roles will change, and secondly the impact this will have on our learners and what (if any) changes we should make to support them.

I used the following prompt questions to start the discussions:

  • Should Learning Developers be concerned about Industry 4.0?
  • What are future-ready skills and are these already embedded in higher education?
  • Should Industry 4.0 impact the way Learning Developers think about lifelong learning?

Author Biography

Rebecca Wilson, University of St Andrews

Rebecca Wilson is the Head of Student Development at the University of St Andrews and holds a PhD in International Relations. She has practical experience of lecturing and tutoring students and specialises in the transition of students into university, including expertise in mentoring, study skills, and the award-winning ‘Transitions Toolkit’. Rebecca is a strong advocate for equality and inclusivity in education. She excels in motivating others, helping them to reach their potential, and helping them to understand previously inaccessible topics.

References

Li, L. (2022) ‘Reskilling and upskilling the future-ready workforce for Industry 4.0 and beyond’, Information System Frontiers. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-022-10308-y

PwC (2017) Workforce of the future: the competing forces shaping 2030. Available at: https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/workforce/publications/workforce-of-the-future.html

Skills Development Scotland (2018) Skills 4.0: a skills model to drive the future. Available at: https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/media/44684/skills-40_a-skills-model.pdf (Accessed: 8 October 2024).

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Published

31-10-2024

How to Cite

Wilson, R. (2024) “Industry 4.0: skills for the future and learning development”, Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, (32). doi: 10.47408/jldhe.vi32.1462.

Issue

No. 32 (2024): Special Edition, ALDinHE Conference Proceedings and Reflections

Section

Conference Proceedings

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education

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