Designing a Skills Evolution Program: A Framework for Success, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article proposes a framework for developing an ongoing "Skills Evolution Program" to help organizations continuously upskill their workforce to keep pace with rapid technological change. The framework involves five key elements: 1) understanding employees' current skill levels and perspectives on change through skills surveys and focus groups; 2) building on employees' existing strengths and enabling skills transfers between adjacent fields; 3) co-creating the reskilling vision and program structure with employee input; 4) developing a flexible learning ecosystem with multiple self-paced and facilitated options; and 5) recognizing accomplishments both formal and informal to motivate ongoing learning. Additionally, the article stresses the importance of cultivating a growth mindset across the organization where skills development is seen as an ongoing journey rather than a single program or event. By systematically implementing this holistic, employee-centered approach, organizations can transform their culture into one of continuous learning.