“Productivity cannot grow beyond the education and skills levels of the population.” — John Bliek, enterprise specialist, International Labour Organisation (ILO)

On June 20-21, 2024, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security hosted the Future Work and Productivity Summit, gathering experts from diverse sectors to discuss the future of work and the urgent need for skills improvement to boost productivity and bolster economic, social, and cultural resilience. John Bliek, enterprise specialist at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), highlighted a critical issue: Productivity gaps are widening in the Caribbean and Latin America due to low skill levels.

Jamaica is no exception. Wayne Chen, president of the Jamaica Employers’ Federation, revealed a startling statistic — 60 per cent of Jamaica’s population has “no certifiable skill”. This skills deficit poses a significant threat to the nation’s economic development. Bliek emphasised that one of the primary solutions to this crisis is upskilling, reskilling, and increased access to education, noting that “productivity cannot grow beyond the education and skills levels of the population”.

The current enrolment in higher education in Jamaica is less than 30 per cent, a concerning figure for the Government. The Reform of Education Report 2021 underscores that without substantial improvements in education and skills training, Jamaica’s development will remain compromised.

A recurring theme at the summit was the urgent need for a cultural shift towards embracing lifelong learning. For Jamaica to meet the growing demands of an ever-changing global society, its citizens must continuously acquire new and relevant skills.

Reflecting on the presentations, it became clear that this paradigm shift requires deliberate and intentional leadership. Preparing stakeholders at all levels — Government, business, and academia — psychologically for this change is essential. Failure to do so could disrupt the ecosystems necessary for successful implementation.

Change is inherently challenging. The literature on change readiness consistently highlights the crucial role of leadership in preparing people to embrace and adapt to change. For Jamaica, this type of leadership is necessary at the micro, macro, and meso levels. Leaders must cultivate an environment in which continuous learning is not just encouraged but ingrained in the societal fabric.

The Business Imperative

In today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape, investing in the upskilling and reskilling of employees is not just advantageous but essential for businesses aiming to stay competitive. Companies that prioritise continuous learning are better equipped to innovate and maintain a competitive edge on the global stage. This investment involves providing employees with access to comprehensive training programmes, fostering a culture that encourages continuous improvement, and leveraging advanced technology to facilitate and enhance learning experiences.

“The market, in general, has a unique opportunity to really invest in the people currently in the workforce,” says an industry expert. “We can truly make a significant impact by investing in those willing and eager to reinvent themselves. In a way, we all need to come together to make this happen.”

While the scale of investment required for upskilling may be challenging for some companies, the overarching message is clear: Organisations must cultivate an environment that prioritises learning. The structure of this learning environment will vary depending on the company’s budget, time frame, and other specific factors. Developing detailed action plans and empowering workers to take charge of their development will not only help future-proof organisations but also enhance employee engagement and retention rates.

The Academic Imperative

Educational institutions are pivotal in driving this transformation. To meet current and future industry needs, academic curricula must evolve, ensuring that graduates possess the skills required in the modern workforce. Additionally, it is imperative for higher education to encourage participation in upskilling and reskilling programmes by increasing access points that are inclusive to diverse groups. Collaboration between businesses and educational institutions is crucial to aligning training programmes with real-world demands, thus providing students with practical, relevant experiences that prepare them for their careers.

Historically, discussions around higher education have primarily focused on college admissions — who gets in, how they get in, and where they go. However, as the workforce of the 21st century continues to evolve with advancements in artificial intelligence, the impacts of climate change, and changing organisational structures, the focus must shift. Instead of solely concentrating on college entry, there needs to be a greater emphasis on preparing graduates for their transition into the workforce. This includes developing exit strategies that ensure students are ready to contribute effectively from day one.

By fostering strong partnerships between academia and industry, educational institutions can stay ahead of the curve, adapting their offerings to meet the ever-changing needs of the job market. This collaborative approach not only benefits students but also ensures that businesses have access to a well-prepared talent pool, capable of driving innovation and growth in the years to come.

Moving Forward

Jamaica must invest in its human capital to ensure a prosperous future. By embracing upskilling and reskilling initiatives, the nation can close the productivity gap and build a resilient, adaptable workforce capable of meeting the challenges of tomorrow.

Leaders in business and academia must collaborate to create an ecosystem that supports lifelong learning and skill development. Businesses can provide on-the-job training, mentorship programmes, and career development opportunities. Educational institutions can adapt their curricula to meet current and future industry demands, ensuring that students acquire relevant skills.

This commitment to continuous improvement will drive Jamaica’s economic growth and enhance its competitiveness on the global stage. By fostering a culture that values education and skills development, Jamaica can ensure that its workforce remains agile and capable of adapting to new technologies and market demands.

The imperative for Jamaica is clear: To secure a prosperous future, there must be a unified and dedicated effort to enhance the skills of its workforce. Employers should ensure that all employees are constantly upskilling and reskilling, which should form part of their job requirements. By prioritising education, fostering collaboration, and embracing technological advancements, Jamaica can build a robust and dynamic economy ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Sophia McIntosh is head of University of Technology, Jamaica’s (UTech) Open School of Lifelong Learning and Professional Development. Send comments to Jamaica Observer or S.Mcintosh@napier.ac.uk.