These job skills will be critical for the future Czech labor market

With increasing digitization, robotization, implementation of automated processes into work activities, and new aspects of industry 4.0, today’s generation should expect a growing demand for new types of skills. In fact, the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report 2018, says that 65% of the jobs that today’s pupils will work in do not yet exist.

“Only those who can adapt to rapid changes in the labor market and learn to use new technological and digital processes will be successful in the future world of work,” says Jaroslava Rezlerová, CEO of ManpowerGroup, Czech Republic and Slovakia.

She adds that while a loss of up to 50% of jobs that can be replaced by robots and automated processes is expected, robots will not replace people. She believes new, more qualified jobs will be created with automation.

“We consider learning to be a key competence for the future,” says Rezlerová, adding that while the need for hard knowledge, especially technical knowledge, is increasing, at the same time, soft skills — communication, collaboration, problem solving, adaptability, stamina, and, above all, the ability to learn new things in a constantly changing environment, remain important.

Developing competence for the job market of the future (ability to learn, communication skills, collaboration, problem solving, adaptability, and persistence) is also key to preparing young people for work, says Rezlerová.

Manpower recently released a list of both Czech and international programs that do just that.

The international student conference Gymnasium Omsk Model United Nations (GOMUN) sees students simulate a United Nations meeting and play the role of diplomats the interests of their countries.

The International Duke of Edinburgh Prize, a non-formal education program designed for those aged 14-24, encourages participants to set four goals, under the guidance of a mentor, focused on specific skills, while regularly practicing sports, volunteering, and also planning an adventure expedition with a team of peers.

The Czech branch of the global organization Junior Achievement was founded by Tomáš Baťa with the aim to educate Czech youth so that they know the value of entrepreneurship, understand business and economics, develop ethical attitude to leadership and be well prepared for the world of work. 

“Through all these projects, students get out of their comfort zone, learn to communicate and collaborate in a team, improve their soft skills and many other specific skills,” says Rezlerová. 

“When employers choose among graduates, they often choose such candidates because they have great potential for the future.”