Lifelong learning in the age of automation

As technology evolves and career pathways change, lifelong learning has become increasingly important. By upskilling for the future of work today, you will set yourself up for a dynamic career in the workplaces of tomorrow.

Upskilling for the future of work

Over the next 15 years, new automation technologies are expected to add between $1.1 trillion and $4 trillion to the economy, according to McKinsey Australia. While they estimate between 25 and 46 per cent of current work activities could be automated by 2030, this will create new opportunities for workers and companies. Australians will benefit from new jobs, higher productivity, rising wages and economic growth.

As technological disruption reshapes the employment landscape, employees have the opportunity to upskill, differentiate their personal ‘value proposition’ and embrace the changing nature of work.

Enabling lifelong learning

In digital economies such as Australia’s, success in the labour market will be increasingly characterised by a commitment to lifelong learning and readiness to adapt to the jobs of tomorrow. This becomes even more important in ageing populations where people will be required to work for longer.

From 2011 to 2016, the number of Australians with a postgraduate degree increased by 46 per cent according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, indicating a growing appetite for lifelong learning and awareness of the need to continue upskilling to keep pace with the changing world of work.

Studying throughout your career promotes new knowledge and professional skillsets, while opening up career benefits including promotions, pay rises or career changes. Online study provides an accessible pathway to lifelong learning for those traditionally excluded from higher education. It enables postgraduate students already in the workforce, regionally or rurally located or with families at home, to fit study around their lives. Online study also promotes greater digital literacy, raising individual employability and corporate competitiveness.

QUT Online’s flexible study options, from postgraduate degrees to single units, equip students with the theoretical and practical skills to achieve the best possible graduate outcomes, promote digital inclusivity and prepare them to prosper in, and adapt to, a rapidly changing job landscape.

Harnessing innovation

Innovation is at the core of QUT’s approach to education, applying technology and immersive digital environments to teaching, research and engagement. Wherever there is internet, QUT Online provides a place to learn, preparing students to succeed in the job market by exposing them to the tools and channels of the modern workplace.

QUT Online keeps a finger on the pulse of companies at the forefront of new technology and online engagement. Digital learning specialists review other industries and investigate how leading learning technologies can be integrated to enhance the student experience. With the introduction of situation-based scenarios and interactive case-studies to its courses, QUT Online provides a highly engaging online learning experience.

QUT Vice-Chancellor Margaret Sheil said that new technology is opening up endless opportunities and changing the way we study and work.

“Innovation has always been central to our ideology at QUT,” Professor Sheil said.

“Our vision is to emulate this ethos online, creating a learning experience that enables graduates to thrive in the workplace of today and the future.

“We achieve this by combining the knowledge of our academic experts and best-in-class learning designers. This creates a digital learning experience for students that is on-demand and user-focused, so that they are well-positioned to meet their career goals.”

QUT Online provides access to expert researchers and teaching staff at the forefront of innovation and their respective industries to prepare students for the challenge of specialising or taking on a new field of study, with real-world based curriculum and expansive peer-to-peer engagement opportunities.

Ranking in the top 250 universities in the world, QUT offers students access to the best-practice teaching methods, world-class research, top industry professionals and a globally recognised degree. QUT is in the top one per cent of business schools worldwide and according to the Excellence in Research for Australia assessment, 80 per cent of its research is above world standard.

The quality and range of courses available through QUT Online, coupled with best-practice teaching methods and support systems, is redefining how postgraduate study can enable companies and individuals to invest in lifelong learning and future-proof for an online workforce.

Your future starts today

As technology evolves and career pathways change, lifelong learning has become increasingly important. Innovative online study provides an accessible platform for individuals and companies to build on the skills required for the digital workplace of tomorrow.

Students who invest in lifelong learning with QUT Online can benefit from world-class research, connect with leading industry professionals and graduate ready to make a positive impact on the world around them.

Redefine your career with a future focused QUT Online postgraduate degree. Apply today or book a call with one of our experienced course consultants.

Further information

McKinsey & Company, Australia’s automation opportunity (2019)

Ready to apply?

Apply online by filling out our application form or speak to a Course Consultant on 1300 104 196.

Apply Now