Over the next 10 years it’s predicted that 60% of occupations will become computerised. The current technological revolution will have implications for us all, no matter how junior or senior you are, or what sector you are involved in.

To prepare for change and to stay current CPD, Continual Professional Development, is vital. CPD not only helps prepare professionals for the future, but also enhances motivation and allows workers to do their job more effectively.

The importance of CPD

Martin Shanahan, CEO of the IDA, shares…

“It is important for anybody that they keep current with what’s going on and continually upskill and challenge themselves. I think this will become increasingly important in the future. We know there is going to be more change in the workforce now. People will probably have multiple careers, rather than just one.

 To keep pace, you have to make sure that you’re up to speed with what’s going on.

There is an element of personal responsibility in this, whereby it’s up to individuals to ensure that they take care of their own development, but it is also down to the organisations they work for supporting them to do that. “

It is the responsibility of both employee and employer to dedicate time to CPD. The benefits are long lasting and positive for both sides. For employers, key benefits include: increased retention and motivation, improved job performance, easier to manager employees and overall better team morale.

Martin Shanahan confirms…

“We never rest on our laurels here. Every day presents a new challenge and I’m sure our best achievements are yet to come.

Over the years, I have tried to make sure that as well as getting the day job done – making sure we achieve your targets, whether it be your P&L account, shareholder value or the work we do at IDA Ireland maximising inward investment and employment numbers – that you are also developing people as you go along and helping them with their career prospects.

We are aware that the very nature of work is changing, because business models are changing and technology is developing. We know that developments in areas like Artificial Intelligence and Robotics will impact on the future of work – in some cases, changing the very jobs that people do. It has never been more important that people look at what’s coming down the line and ensure that, in whatever area they are in, they are upskilling to make sure they are able to prosper in whatever the next wave is.”

For more on CPD and career recommendations & insights read Martin Shanahan’s full interview.