Soft skills are now among the most valuable skills to have if you want a successful career. Previously employers mostly cared about the qualifications and experience that a candidate has. However, soft skills are crucial to getting hired for most jobs over time. In this article, we look at why schools should be teaching soft skills and the role soft skills have in preparing children for the real world.

What are soft skills? 

The Oxford dictionary defines soft skills as personal qualities that enable a person to communicate well with others. Soft skills help us make connections with others, understand our emotions, as well as be able to regulate our emotions. Learning these skills allows children to navigate challenges at school and home better. 

SPARK Kempton Park Principal Chenay Wessels explains that social-emotional development builds children’s confidence.  

“Social-emotional development supports teaching our scholars how to recognise and deal with their feelings— this, in turn, helps to influence a child’s self-confidence, empathy, the ability to develop meaningful and lasting friendships and partnerships, and a sense of importance and value to those around them,” Wessels says. 

Why are soft skills so critical? 

According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), 42% of people’s core skills to do their current jobs are expected to change in the next two years. WEF believes that soft skills will be one of the highly sought-after skills.

As the world continues to evolve, we can’t emphasise enough the importance of having the relevant skills that can help shape a child’s future for the better. 

Wessels explains that the soft skills that children gain do not only help them with their confidence but also assist them in becoming focused on their school work, which leads to academic success.

Conclusion 

While academic achievement will forever be essential for anyone to succeed after school, soft skills will help shape a child’s character and how well they can adapt to the new world.