What is Upskilling? Meaning and Example

Upskilling vs reskilling

Upskilling builds on the job a person already does: an accountant learns new GST return formats and advanced spreadsheet work, a nurse learns to operate a new ventilator, a sales executive learns to sell a new product line. Reskilling prepares a person for a different job altogether, usually because the current role is shrinking: a data entry operator trained as a customer support executive, or a machine operator trained as a maintenance technician. Upskilling moves a person up within their lane; reskilling moves them to a new lane.

When companies invest in upskilling

Upskilling usually costs less than hiring for the new skill, and it keeps people who already know your products, customers and ways of working. It also shows staff that the company invests in them, which supports retention.

• New machinery, software or processes arrive
• Laws, standards or client requirements change
• Appraisals or a training needs analysis show common skill gaps
• An employee is preparing for a promotion within the same function
• Customers expect more, such as digital service at a bank branch

Making upskilling stick

Training alone does not create skill. People need to use the new skill within days, with a manager who expects it and coaches it. Pick a small number of skills tied to real business needs, give time within working hours, and check use on the job a month later. Track enrolments and completions so HR can report who has been trained; ZeniaHR's Learning module records programmes, enrolments and completions, with a certificate number for each completion.

Frequently asked questions