Glossary
What is Upskilling?
- Upskilling
Upskilling is the further development and updating of the skills an employee already possesses. The goal is to be able to handle changing requirements, new tools, or more advanced tasks, often within the same role. The term describes a type of skills development, not a specific course or learning format.
Further Development Rather Than Retraining
Upskilling builds on the knowledge and skills the employee already uses. Reskilling is more clearly aimed at a different function or role. Both are forms of competency development, but they describe different directions of learning. It is the change in tasks and competencies—not the course format—that characterizes the difference. This development can take place through courses, hands-on training, and on-the-job coaching.
Example: Upskilling
An experienced customer service representative learns analytical functions in a system they are already familiar with. A course is followed by practical assignments and feedback from a colleague. The employee continues in the same role but can use the system for more advanced assessments. This is an example of upskilling.
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