September is back to school time, but not just for the kids. In this issue of Your Wealth, we’re putting a twist on a familiar theme by looking at education for adults, and why it’s a topic that’s gaining traction all over the place.

Continuous education is a must: in a world of rapid change, and with automation threatening to disrupt the labor market, a regularly refreshed skill set is one of the best ways to enhance employability. In fact, the rise of the knowledge economy marks a shift in the entire relationship between the market and the education system. These days, expecting a university education ― even at the highest level ― or a vocational qualification to set you up for life is highly unrealistic, experts say. New skills are needed to prepare employees for the new demands of the workforce, including “hybrid jobs” (jobs that combine skills in new ways, like marketing and statistical analysis). And regularly updating and diversifying your skill set is the best way to withstand unexpected shocks in a competitive and uncertain global environment. Looked at more optimistically, lifelong learning also offers myriad benefits to health, social capital and a person’s earning power.