In a world where a permanent, or even a moderately secure job outside public service, is becoming as rare as the proverbial unicorns’ teeth the capacity — and as importantly the opportunity — to retrain, to forge a new career is more important than ever.
Vast numbers of blue-collar jobs have been lost to automation and vast numbers of white-collar jobs will be lost to artificial intelligence.
That revolution is underway and millions of workers face the prospect of remaking themselves, of being unmade by forces far beyond their control.
To that end Government wants to enrol 40,000 workers, particularly low-skill, older workers or those in jobs being consumed by new technologies, in courses to help them remain relevant in the jobs market.
This is a positive development especially as the workplace is changing faster and more profoundly than ever before.
Trying to remake yourself in such a way can be a profound psychological challenge, especially if you have dedicated yourself to a career that may no longer sustain you.
In those circumstances, courses like these may provide an invaluable opportunity.