3 Non-Technical Skills Children Need to Excel – Now and In the Future

In today’s ever-evolving job market, non-technical skills, also known as soft skills, including the ability to collaborate with others, persevere through adversity and manage time effectively, are more important than ever.

While it is impossible to predict with certainty what the future of work will look like, or what emerging industries and career paths will populate the economy, helping children develop skills like these can help them overcome whatever situation they might face.

Read below to learn why non-technical skill development is an essential part of helping children excel, no matter what career they pursue!

Collaboration Leads to Creativity

When children enter the workforce, they will be expected to solve problems that require teamwork and collaboration. As the complexity of these challenges continues to grow, in turn, employers will place a greater emphasis on developing creative, innovative solutions. To achieve this, employers will need to assemble more diverse teams, as research published in the Harvard Business Review shows that teams composed of members from diverse backgrounds are more creative in their approach to problem solving.

Children who have the opportunity to practice collaborative group work – especially with those outside of their friend group – will benefit from exposure to different perspectives and problem-solving approaches. By engaging with peers who bring a variety of experiences and skills to the group, children learn to navigate complexities, adapt to varying viewpoints and leverage the unique strengths of each team member. This not only enhances their own creativity and innovation but also fosters a deeper understanding of inclusivity, empathy and effective communication.

Perseverance Predicts Success

Perseverance is an important part of children’s learning process, and in a rapidly changing, competitive job market, it also will be essential for their success in the workplace.

For National Inventors Hall of Fame^®Inductees, some of the world’s most revolutionary inventors, overcoming setbacks is an integral part of working to the best of their abilities. In an interview with the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Inductee Jim West, co-inventor of the electret microphone, explained: “If I don’t fail every once in a while, I’m not working hard enough.”

Beyond academic ability, research published by Angela Duckworth, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, shows that a person’s grit, which Duckworth defines as passion and sustained persistence applied toward long-term achievement, is a more accurate predictor of success.

Employers Value Time Management Skills

In a professional work setting, an employee’s attention is often pulled in many different directions. Because of this, the ability to manage a variety of deadlines at once is essential.

Collectively defined as “the decision-making process that structures, protects, and adjusts a person’s time to changing environment,” it’s unsurprising that time management is a skill increasingly sought after by employers. Children who can practice and develop time management skills from a young age therefore will be better prepared to transition into professional roles and better equipped to juggle multiple responsibilities, consistently meet deadlines and adapt to the needs of an evolving workplace.

Learn How Camp Invention Teaches Non-Technical Skills

At Camp Invention^®, children in grades K-6 have the chance to build valuable non-technical skills while engaging in hands-on STEM challenges.

Visit our website to learn more about why hundreds of thousands of children nationwide look forward to Camp Invention each year!