Reskilling vs. Upskilling: What’s best for you?

You’ve probably heard these terms being thrown around. But what do they mean?

The difference between upskilling and reskilling is simple. They’re just two different ways to adapt to the changing job market and explore your career.

In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of both, and help you explore which one is best for you.

Think of reskilling as a fresh start…

Reskilling is the process of learning a completely new set of skills, often in a different industry to the one you’re currently working in. It's hitting the reset button on your career, allowing you to move into a role that requires a different skill set.

Reasons to reskill:

1. Change things up

Is there a specific element of your current job you’re enjoying more than the rest, or that you’re really good at? Well, you could take it all the way by retraining. For example, if you’re a marketing professional who wants to explore a career in Data Science, you might need to reskill to get those programming and analytics skills.

2. You don’t have a choice

Unfortunately, layoffs are currently a real risk in tech and those who have been affected may be forced to consider a career change. People in roles that face automation or disruption should also consider reskilling to protect themselves in the worst-case scenario. Embrace change, learn new skills, and future-proof your career.

3. Follow your passion

We’re not supposed to have it all planned out. If you've discovered a genuine passion for a different field and want to align your career with your interests, reskilling can open doors to new and exciting opportunities.

…while upskilling is building on what you already have.

Upskilling is about improving your existing skill set within your current field. It’s an upgrade to your professional toolkit, making sure you’re staying relevant and competitive in your industry.

Reasons to upskill:

1. Keep up to date

You’re committed, but things are changing. If you recognise the need to stay current with evolving technologies or trends, upskilling is the way forward. For instance, a software developer might upskill in a new programming language like Python or C#.

2. Climb higher

Aiming for a promotion? If you’re after a more senior role within your company or profession, you should focus on upskilling. Developing managerial and strategic skills can fast-track your career trajectory and investing in your professional development (also known as CPD) shows commitment.

If you want help in starting this conversation in your workplace, take a look at our guide.

3. Make an impact

If you’ve got big ideas, you’re going to need to have the skills and knowledge to back them up. By upskilling, you can contribute to your organisation's success by leveraging the latest tools and tech.

How to choose between reskilling and upskilling

Ultimately, the decision between reskilling and upskilling depends on your career goals, personal interests, and the state of your current industry. Grab a pen and start asking yourself some questions:

1. Am I satisfied in my current job or am I looking for change?
2. Is my industry changing for the worse, or do I have a reason to be worried about my job?
3. Do I have a genuine passion for my work, or am I eager to advance in my field?
4. What are my long-term career goals?

Where Firebrand comes in

Looking for a way to make your job future-proof?

Whether you're exploring a new field through reskilling or enhancing your current profession via upskilling, our Apprenticeships or Skills Bootcamps might be a good place to start.

See all our Apprenticeship and Skills Bootcamps programmes.