What is the difference between Upskilling and Reskilling?

In this dynamic job market, continuing education is not just beneficial; it is essential. Two key strategies often discussed in professional development are upskilling and reskilling. Although they sound similar, they serve different purposes for both employees and employers in the context of career development and organizational growth. 

Upskilling means building on the skills you already must keep up with the changing needs of your job or industry. It involves deepening your knowledge in familiar areas to enhance your effectiveness in your current role. This is particularly important in industries where technology and best practices are frequently changing. 

Three Benefits of Upskilling: 

  1. Increased Marketability: Acquiring new skills and updating existing ones makes you more valuable to both current and potential employers. Upskilling not only improves your job security but also helps you stand out in a competitive job market. 
  1. Personal Growth and Confidence: Learning new skills can significantly boost your personal confidence. This not only contributes to your professional development but may also lead to greater job satisfaction and a proactive approach to career challenges. 
  1. Future-Proofing Your Career: Continuously upskilling prepares you for future industry demands and technological innovations, ensuring long-term career viability and success. 

Reskilling is about learning new skills that are different from what you know. People usually reskill when they want to change their career or keep up with jobs that are in demand. 

Three Benefits of Reskilling: 

  1. Career Transition: For professionals aiming for a career transition, reskilling is a critical and transformative step. It serves as a gateway to new industries, allowing you to realign your career path with your evolving interests to match the dynamics of the current job market. 
  1. Staying Updated with Industry Evolution: The job market, particularly in technology-driven fields, is constantly evolving, creating new roles. Reskilling is essential for adapting to these major industry shifts, positioning you to meet the demands of emerging roles. 
  1. Personal Development: Beyond the needs of industry, reskilling encourages lifelong learning. It can often be a journey of personal growth as it helps to discover new passions that can lead to a more fulfilling career. 

Durham College’s Professional and Part-Time Learning offers Professional Development (PD) opportunities that are essential for career advancement and professional growth, including both upskilling and reskilling options. These offerings cover a wide range of specialized training, formal education, and advanced professional learning designed to enhance work-related knowledge, competence, skills, and effectiveness.  

Being adaptable and committed to personal development is key to navigating today's complex job market and building a successful career. 

DC Professional and Part-time Learning offers a diverse selection of over 70 programs and more than 1000 courses designed to help you achieve your career goals. Investing in your career development can lead to promising future opportunities. You can register for many PPL courses either with Monthly Intake Online options, which start every month, or at the beginning of regular semesters such as Fall, Winter, and Spring.

What is Monthly Intake Online? Monthly Intake Online courses are conducted on the OntarioLearn LMS platform and have a unique feature—they start every month, even outside of the regular semester dates. If you need flexibility in your course start date, Monthly Intake Online is an excellent choice.

For financial assistance, please visit the OSAP Eligibility webpage. When you're ready to take the next step, explore your part-time learning options at www.durhamcollege.ca/PPL.