As technology advances, more talent from higher education institutions is needed. While young people enroll in these institutions for four-year degree tech programs, older adults in the current labor market aspire to update their skills to include digital literacy programs. Time restricts older adults committed to their jobs from enrolling in degree programs. The learning employee wants a flexible schedule and short-term learning modules to fit into their programs. Read on as we show you how to make adjustments in tech training as a higher ed institution to accommodate the older adults willing to train.
Three Adjustments for Higher Education Institutions
Higher ed institutions should consider the following adjustments to provide tech training on people’s terms.
1. Investing in Tech Training Programs
Employers rely on the education system to prepare students with skills needed for employment. Institutions must thus invest in training programs focusing more on the job skills than imparting knowledge to the students.
With the advancement of technology, Artificial Intelligence, and machine learning, universities need to update training programs to equip students with new skills. Here are two modifications higher education systems must establish to ensure that students have more contemporary skills.
Develop a Diverse Set of Digitally Integrated Academic Programs
It would be best to create programs such as health tech for those students in the health sector or FinTech for those in the finance sector to equip students with the technological skills and technical abilities needed for their industry. The programs are marketable since employers want high-tech and industry skills.
You can also opt to introduce shorter programs like cybersecurity. WOZ Enterprise’s Train program has a digitally integrated curriculum offering tech courses.
Provide In-Depth Computer Knowledge by Learning Programs Like Python
Technology evolves daily, and people must have computer knowledge beyond basic computer skills. High ed institutions can include technology in the curriculum where students learn computer programming.
You can also provide data analysis programs to help students read and analyze data. You can visit our site for more data science programs.
2. Universities Should Establish Shorter Learning Programs
Another way in which universities can give tech students the training they want is by establishing part-time, modular programs. The primary focus of the shorter programs is to help students showcase their abilities in line with the job market and not on the certificate as the training output.
Committing to lifelong training is difficult for adult learners due to other commitments such as jobs and families. Therefore, when institutions of higher learning have shorter learning programs, they encourage more adults to enroll.
3. Equip Students With Soft Skills Such as Communication
Employers are looking for an employee equipped with both hard and soft skills. While hard skills give you the ability to do the job, soft skills help you do your job better. For instance, a web developer needs critical thinking and soft skills to develop unique websites. Higher ed institutions can create programs to help students develop soft skills such as leadership and creativity.
WOZ Enterprise Can Help You Implement Tech Training
Do you want a customized, market-driven curriculum for your higher ed institution? Contact WOZ Enterprise for further discussions.
