Future of work skills

The skills are divided into four groups; thinking skills, collaboration skills, digital literacy and self-management skills.  Along with a set of important mindsets, these will be required by all individuals in the future.  

Background:

• This glossary is an introduction to definitions of the main sets of skills that will be important for the future of work, based on a review of the modelling and research on the future of work and the skills literature

• We have provided general definitions based on the skills literature and therefore, this is a general glossary.  Skills can take on different meanings when applied in different contexts such as subject disciplines and job roles.  We encourage you to consider what the skills mean for your own context and for your students

• Skills interact and support each other so they should be viewed together rather than in isolation – one skill is often made up of and supports many others.  For example, problem solving is supported by critical thinking, creativity, decision making and teamwork

• Reflection is critical for students in understanding the range of skills that they have, how they have developed these and where they still need to develop

• Alongside these skills there is a range of important mindsets that influence behaviours and skills.   Mindsets empower and enable individuals to take action and lay the foundation for developing, utilising and maintaining a broad set of skills.  These include motivation, self-confidence, flexibility and resilience

Using this skills glossary:

• We have provided definitions for the skills and mindsets that have surfaced in our research, along with tips and examples of how you can support your students 
• When considering skills development start with the end in mind.  Consider what skills and mindsets you want your students to develop and then choose teaching strategies and assessment methods that support their development
• Aim for overall diversity; a diverse range of teaching strategies and assessment methods will support the development of a wide range of skills
• Be explicit; be clear with students about what skills and mindsets you're aiming to develop and why these are important
• You can use this glossary in conjunction with the University's Graduate Attributes Framework, which sets out the skills, attitudes and approaches that we expect all our graduates to have

University of Edinburgh Graduate Attributes Framework