CPD - Empower your Career with Transferable Skills

Equally relevant and carrying significant value between both the workplace and personal life, transferable skills can be vital, especially for those changing roles or entering into a new industry. In this CPD article, we will explore and highlight the importance of these types of skills, as well as provide some examples of the best transferable skills that can enhance career prospects and personal growth.

What are Transferable skills?

At its most basic, transferable skills refer to those capabilities and competencies that are universally applicable across multiple job sectors and roles. Often perceived as by-products of career development, transferable skills constitute a robust framework that empowers individuals to be highly adaptable and successful, regardless of their chosen career path, trajectory or changes in circumstances.

Transferable skills can be seamlessly utilized from one context to another. These skills range from soft skills like communication and teamwork, to analytical ones such as problem-solving and strategic planning. They constitute a crucial part of an individual's skillset, enabling them to adapt to a variety of professional settings with improved proficiency and expertise.

Why are Transferable skills so beneficial?

Transferable skills offer an array of benefits that are often overlooked in the traditional, skills-specific view of professional development. The importance of these skills extends beyond the boundaries of one's current role and prospects, creating a foundation of versatility and adaptability. These types of skills increase employability, as employers highly value professionals who possess a diverse set of skills that can be applied to a range of situations and tasks. In today's dynamic job market, this flexibility can make an individual a more attractive candidate, opening doors to opportunities that may have otherwise remained shut.

In addition, transferable skills foster personal growth and resilience. By developing a diverse skillset, individuals can navigate various challenges, both within and outside the professional space, with more confidence and efficacy. Resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills help one to tackle unforeseen obstacles or changes in a composed and proactive manner.

What are some examples of the best Transferable Skills?

Identifying the best transferable skills necessitates a comprehensive understanding of those that offer the most significant advantages in a fast-changing job market. Here, we explore and give examples of some of the top ten transferable skills:

1. Communication: The capacity to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly, comprehend others effectively, and adapt your communication style to different audiences. Communication is multifaceted, including verbal, written, and non-verbal forms. 

2. Leadership: This skill involves directing and motivating a team, making strategic decisions, and taking responsibility. Effective leaders can inspire others and influence outcomes positively.

3. Teamwork: The ability to work collaboratively with others, respecting diverse perspectives, and contributing effectively to group tasks. Teamwork necessitates empathy, cooperation, and shared responsibility.

4. Problem-Solving: This involves identifying complex issues, analysing potential solutions, and implementing effective remedies. It requires creativity, critical thinking, and the capacity to work under pressure.

5. Strategic Planning: The capacity to set objectives, devise action plans, and anticipate potential challenges. Strategic planning requires foresight, organisational skills, and analytical thinking.

6. Adaptability: The skill to adjust quickly and efficiently to new situations and environments. Adaptability signifies resilience, flexibility, and an openness to change.

7. Digital Literacy: This implies a good understanding and competency in using digital technology. In today's digital age, being comfortable with different digital tools and platforms is essential.

8. Data Interpretation: The ability to understand and derive meaningful insights from data. This skill is increasingly important in our data-driven world and requires analytical thinking and attention to detail.

9. Time Management: This involves prioritising tasks, setting goals, and working efficiently to meet deadlines. It is about controlling your time rather than being controlled by it.

10. Emotional Intelligence: The ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathise with others, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict.

These transferable skills provide a foundation for professional success across various roles and industries, each contributing significantly to an individual's effectiveness and employability.

How to use CPD to develop your Transferable skillset

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) can act as an integral and valuable tool for individuals to develop and refine their transferable skills. It provides a structured, methodical approach to personal and professional growth that encourages the constant honing of skills over time.

One way to use CPD to develop your transferable skills is by identifying gaps in your current skillset. The reflective aspect of CPD can help highlight areas for improvement, prompting targeted learning and development activities. This can be recognised through the key stages and application of the CPD Cycle.

Participation in various CPD activities such as training courses, workshops, seminars, online learning, webinars and educational events can expose professionals to new ideas, perspectives, and skills. Such activities not only enrich one's knowledge but can also cultivate transferable skills like communication, leadership, problem-solving, for example.

Furthermore, CPD encourages lifelong learning. Embracing the ethos of ongoing development can instil an adaptive mind-set, a curiosity for learning, and a proactive approach to professional growth. The ability to learn regardless of individual occupation, age or educational level is a critical transferable skill, and a core component of CPD and lifelong learning.

In conclusion, transferable skills are an increasing necessity in the modern world of work. Cultivating these skills through CPD empowers individuals to remain relevant, competitive, and effective in their careers while also fostering ongoing personal growth and resilience to unexpected setbacks.

Where to find suitable CPD Courses to improve Transferable skills?

If you are interested in expanding and improving your transferable skills, please visit the CPD Courses Catalogue. Here you will find thousands of accredited courses and events from across all industries and learning types, which would be beneficial for fulfilling any wider personal and professional goals. All the certified training has been reviewed and recognised as meeting the required industry standards and benchmarks. To find out more about a particular CPD course listed on our website, you can complete an enquiry form and the details will be sent directly to the relevant CPD provider.

How to become an accredited CPD provider

We hope this article was helpful. Established in 1996, The CPD Certification Service is the world’s leading and largest CPD accreditation organisation working across all industry sectors. If you are looking to provide training courses, workshops, eLearning or educational events that may be suitable for Continuing Professional Development, please visit the Become a CPD Provider page or contact our team to discuss in more detail.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a free online CPD record tool to help manage, track and log your ongoing learning, as well as store your professional training records and attendance certificates in one simple place, go to the myCPD Portal page.