Comprehension

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Have you got the skills you need

for the 21st-century workplace?

We need to develop all kinds of

skills to survive in the 21st century. Some, like ICT skills and knowledge of

the digital world, are taught explicitly in schools in the UK. Here are five

less obvious ones for you to think about. These are the sorts of skills that

employers may ask you questions about in interviews, so it’s a good idea to

think about how good you are in these areas. What are your strengths and

weaknesses?

Imagination

In the age of technology that we

are living in now, it is no longer enough to keep on making the same products.

Employers need people who can imagine new approaches and new ideas.

Think: Think of an object or

gadget you use every day. How could it be improved? Can you think of three

improvements?

Problem solving

Employers will value workers who

are able to see problems before they happen and come up with creative

solutions.

Think: Imagine you are organising

an end-of-term social event at school. Think of some problems that you could

face. Can you think of any solutions?

Communication skills

Workers will have to be good

communicators. They will have to be able to negotiate and discuss key issues

and also write in a clear way without using too many words.

Think: How do people communicate

with each other in the 21st century?

Critical analysis

Employers want workers who are

able to recognise the difference between information that can be believed

and false information.

Think: Use the internet to find

out three facts about a celebrity or famous figure. Can you verify the

information by checking other websites?

Decision making

Individual workers have a growing

amount of responsibility. It is important to be able to evaluate a situation

and be confident in making a decision.

Think: Which three things could

you do to (a) be healthier (b) do better at school and (c) help others? Make a

decision now to do at least one of these things. Then … just do it!

Choose the word or expression from the list that matches each

definition