What is the Great Reskilling?
It’s time to add some new skills to your résumé. Are you ready for the Great Reskilling? Learn what this movement is, what is driving it, and what it means for your career in our guide.
If you know someone who works in higher education, recruiting, or career coaching, you may have heard about the “Great Reskilling" or the “Reskilling Revolution." In response to recent economic and technological developments, many professionals are feeling pressured to develop new skills in an effort to remain competitive in an increasingly unpredictable economy.
The idea of continuous learning is a key piece of the movement. Regularly learning new skills or polishing existing skills proves to employers that you are dedicated to professional development and offer up-to-date, valuable abilities that can drive impact in the workplace. If you are looking to reskill in 2026, we have some courses that can help you.
Browse online Artificial Intelligence Certificates
Find new interests and advance your career opportunities
Stand out in your field
Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.
Learn at your own pace
On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.
Earn a valuable credential
Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.
Certificates
Why is the Great Reskilling happening?
Economic pressures
According to a spring 2025 edX survey, 66% say the current state of the economy has them considering upskilling (refreshing a current skillset) or reskilling (learning an entirely new skillset). This points to uncertainty surrounding economic factors like inflation, a rise in global tariffs, unpredictable market conditions, and less-than-ideal job market growth.
According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics news release, the number of long-term unemployed people (those without a job for 27 weeks or more) increased by 179,000 to 1.8 million in July 2025. The release also featured a 568,000 year-over-year increase in the number of unemployed people who want a job.
While the overall unemployment rate is generally considered stable at 4.2%, the numbers indicate that those without a job may be having a harder time finding work.
An increased need for AI skills
Another catalyst behind the Great Reskilling is the increasing prominence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workforce. According to the edX report, 62% of 929 surveyed respondents said AI advancements have them considering upskilling or reskilling to remain competitive and secure in their careers. Nearly half (47%) of respondents view AI as a threat to their jobs, while 54% feel that AI-related skills are very or extremely important to remaining competitive in the workforce.
As of spring 2025, however, only 4% of workers are pursuing AI-related education. This metric highlights a tipping point: Most people realize AI skills are becoming increasingly important, but few are acting upon this belief — possibly due to factors like AI anxiety. Those who proactively pursue AI education in this unique moment may gain a competitive advantage with employers.
Tips for reskilling
If you want to demonstrate your adaptability and interest in continuous learning, acquiring a new skill or two may be a great place to start. In fact, 82% of managers and supervisors surveyed by edX believe workers need to pursue additional education or training at least once a year to stay competitive in their field.
While continuous learning is nothing new, economic factors like frequent layoffs and emerging technologies underscore its importance for many.
As you search for learning opportunities, remember the acronym RESKILL:
Reflect on your current skillset. What are your strengths and opportunities?
Evaluate the top skills in your industry. What do employers seem to prioritize when determining who to hire or promote?
Seek flexible learning opportunities like online courses. Consider how much time you have to develop a new skill and choose the option that best fits your schedule.
Keep detailed notes on what you learn. Taking notes helps you retain information and refer back to it in the future (i.e., during interviews).
Identify clear goals to guide your learning. What do you want to gain from your professional development? Do you want to take advantage of your layoff gap or get a promotion at work?
Leverage key resources like network connections, online courses, and community workshops. Learning new skills doesn't always require expensive, long-term schooling.
Learn on a schedule. Blocking time on your calendar every week, for example, allows you to look forward to uninterrupted skill development while maintaining your personal and professional duties.