2020 has undoubtedly changed the world of study and work forever. The need for lifelong learning for businesses to effectively navigate continuous change is now more apparent than ever, brought forward by leaps in technology and the culture shock of moving to a remote working model. Article after article reiterates the fact that lifelong learning is essential to the recovery of local and global economies.

“We’ll need to learn new skills almost continually as the world of work changes.”

Justine Andrew, Director – Public Sector, KPMG

A vast wealth of learning content is now available online and offline, and employers and employees alike are under increasing pressure to build competencies, develop soft skills, and stay on top of ever-changing standards and regulations. As a consequence, many of us are using time at home to invest in learning, but perhaps not in a formal way or as part of an organised programme. Such learning might not be consistent and will often need to fit around already busy schedules.

Showcasing skills and demonstrating progress

How do you decide which skills are most valuable to invest your time into learning next? And how do you demonstrate learning progress? Often, there’s no one place to showcase your skills and the goals that you are working towards.

Consequently, people often find it unnecessarily difficult to articulate their unique skills and experiences, which in turn means employers struggle to find people with the right skills.

It was with these questions in mind that we set out to develop something new in the lifelong learning ecosystem. We’ve had profiles of digital badges and credentials since the first standard was released, and we know the value of visible skills - – according to LinkedIn, profiles with 5+ skills on their profile receive up to 17 times more views and are contacted up to 33 times more often by recruiters (Credly, 2021) 

“The skills I gained from the experiences I participated in helped me to conduct meetings with a whole host of other organisations and people. It unleashed a well of confidence, all from understanding what I had done, and that I had done it elsewhere without realising. It broke down the barrier I had with my confidence and enabled me to open my mind to new experiences.

I had struggled with my confidence during my experiences with Generation E and while earning my badges. Now I feel I have a brighter future.”

- Ben Cole, Apprentice, Real Ideas Organisation

A comprehensive profile

Yet, while a profile of digital badges will recognise and communicate the value of your achievement as a digital and comprehensive record of achievement, it’s only part of the picture of lifelong learning.

Adding Pathways gives those achievements context and helps to communicate your learning goals and vision for the future, as well as showcasing what you’ve already achieved.

Providers or employers interested in Pathways and learner profiles can get in touch for more information.