How can you develop 21st century training skills?

1 Skill 1: Digital literacy

Digital literacy is the ability to use and create digital content, tools and platforms for learning purposes. It involves understanding how to access, evaluate, communicate and collaborate online, as well as how to protect your data and privacy. As a trainer, you need to develop your digital literacy skills to design and deliver online or blended learning courses, use various media and formats to present your content, and leverage the potential of social media, gamification, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to enhance learning outcomes.

2 Skill 2: Critical thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize information, arguments and perspectives from different sources and contexts. It involves applying logic, reasoning and evidence to solve problems, make decisions and form opinions. As a trainer, you need to develop your critical thinking skills to create and facilitate learning activities that challenge your learners to think deeply, creatively and independently, as well as to assess their own and others' learning progress and performance.

3 Skill 3: Cultural competence

Cultural competence is the ability to interact effectively and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and perspectives. It involves being aware of your own and others' values, beliefs, assumptions and biases, as well as adapting your communication and behavior to suit different situations and audiences. As a trainer, you need to develop your cultural competence skills to design and deliver inclusive and accessible learning experiences that cater to the needs, preferences and expectations of your learners, as well as to foster a positive and supportive learning environment that promotes diversity and inclusion.

4 Skill 4: Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand and manage your own and others' emotions, as well as to use them to guide your actions and relationships. It involves being self-aware, self-regulated, empathetic, motivated and socially skilled. As a trainer, you need to develop your emotional intelligence skills to establish rapport and trust with your learners, motivate and inspire them to achieve their learning goals, provide constructive feedback and support, and handle difficult situations and conflicts with tact and professionalism.

5 Skill 5: Lifelong learning

Lifelong learning is the ability and willingness to continuously learn new knowledge, skills and attitudes throughout your life and career. It involves being curious, proactive, reflective and adaptable to changing needs and opportunities. As a trainer, you need to develop your lifelong learning skills to keep up with the latest trends and innovations in your field, identify and pursue your professional development goals, and model and encourage a learning culture among your learners and peers.

6 Skill 6: Collaboration

Collaboration is the ability to work effectively and cooperatively with others towards a common goal. It involves being communicative, respectful, flexible and accountable, as well as sharing ideas, resources and feedback. As a trainer, you need to develop your collaboration skills to plan and implement learning projects and programs with other trainers, stakeholders and partners, as well as to create and facilitate collaborative learning activities that enable your learners to learn from each other, build their teamwork and leadership skills, and achieve better results.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?