Today, ICB launches the Future Skills Challenge, a new programme designed to help people develop the human skills they need to thrive in a changing workplace.
The free programme is open to everyone. You don't need to be an ICB member to take part - it is for anyone who wants to learn, develop and future-proof their skills.
The Future Skills Challenge has been created in response to the rapid changes taking place in the workplace. As software, automation and AI take on more routine tasks, the skills peopleneed to thrive at work are changing too.
This is particularly relevant to the bookkeeping profession.Technical knowledge remains essential, but the ability to communicate, collaborate, solve problems, adapt to change, lead others and build strong relationships is more important than ever.
ICB CEO Ami Copeland said “ICB qualifications provide a robust technical foundation, but professional success also depends on being able to apply that knowledge, communicate it effectively and build trust with clients and colleagues.
We’ve created the Future Skills Challenge to help people develop those skills and make sure we maintain the human qualities that add real value in an AI-enabled world."
How does the Future Skills Challenge work?
The Future Skills Challenge starts with a skills audit, which assesses capability across a range of human or ‘soft’ skills and provides a baseline for measuring progress.
Each month, participants receive a new set of practical challenges by email. They can choose which challenges to complete, with no requirement to complete them all.
At the end of the challenge, participants complete the skills audit again, allowing them to compare their results and measure how their skills have developed.
The programme is designed to be flexible, with participants able to do as much or as little as they choose.
Five skills / Seven Challenges
The Future Skills Challenge focuses on five areas that can help people adapt and thrive as the world of work evolves:
Head of Learning Vanessa Aradia added:
"AI can process information incredibly quickly, but it doesn't replace the value of human connection, empathy, judgement and understanding. These are skills we all need to keep developing.
The Future Skills Challenge is about giving people the opportunity to think about the skills they already have and identify where they can grow. It is for anyone who wants to be better prepared for the future."
The Future Skills Challenge is free to access and open to everyone, whether you're an ICB member or not.