A 'can do' attitude more valuable than long list of qualifications?
18/06/08 13:29
According to Paul Winter (chief executive of the Employers and Manufacturers Association) too many students leave the education system over-qualified and in debt with an inadequate increase in their earning power to get a return on their investment. He was writing in the Dominion yesterday - have a look.
What’s interesting is his analysis that employers are increasingly looking for the so-called ‘soft skills’ over a long list of qualifications; they want employees with a ‘can-do’ attitude, they want evidence that the person can be flexible and adapt. And these skills are just as valuable outside of the work place, in our relationships with families and our communities, says Paul.
Can our secondary school system do more today to equip students with these sorts of skills? In 2028, what they learn today in schools will be out of date. But the skills to acquire new knowledge won’t be.
What’s interesting is his analysis that employers are increasingly looking for the so-called ‘soft skills’ over a long list of qualifications; they want employees with a ‘can-do’ attitude, they want evidence that the person can be flexible and adapt. And these skills are just as valuable outside of the work place, in our relationships with families and our communities, says Paul.
Can our secondary school system do more today to equip students with these sorts of skills? In 2028, what they learn today in schools will be out of date. But the skills to acquire new knowledge won’t be.
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