Ensuring that older means wiser: The importance of continuous development in design and engineering

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to illustrate how important it is for older workers to keep up to date with technological and other developments – especially in industries experiencing major changes because of digitization. It also introduces the concept of IT certification and how this can help older workers to demonstrate their skills.

Design/methodology/approach

The conundrum of unemployed graduates at a time of skill shortages and where this leaves older workers is discussed. The design and engineering industry has been used as a specific example and the kind of changes taking place has been illustrated.

Findings

Reasons why managers should encourage staff to keep updating their skills and why certification is a good way to do this have been provided.

Social implications

Reasons why employees who may be at the peak of their careers cannot afford to be complacent and to neglect to update their skills have been explained.

Originality/value

This study discusses the impact of graduate unemployment and the need for training upon older workers and demonstrates the value of information technology certification for this age group.

Citation

Donoghue, K. (2014), "Ensuring that older means wiser: The importance of continuous development in design and engineering", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 22 No. 3, pp. 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-05-2014-0065