The New Career Toolkit

Essential Skills for 2026 and How employU Can Help You Build Them 

The world of work is changing, and it is not slowing down. New technology is being used in almost every job. Employers are adjusting to hybrid schedules. Industries are shifting. At the same time, many companies are looking for employees who can think clearly, learn quickly, and communicate well with others. 

If you are looking for a new job or career path in 2026, it helps to have a strong “career toolkit.” This toolkit is not just about one job or one industry. It is a mix of skills that travel with you wherever you go. At employU, we call these soft skills or transferable skills. These skills are a big part of long-term success.  

Even though every workplace looks a little different, many employers share certain priorities when hiring. Today, more jobs rely on technology and digital tools. Hybrid work continues to grow, with hybrid job postings rising from 15% in 2023 to nearly 24% of new jobs in the second quarter of 2025. This matters because it means more workers need to feel comfortable using workplace systems, communicating through email or chat, and staying organized even when routines change. 

Employers are also paying closer attention to skills that help people succeed in real-world work environments. The World Economic Forum reports that analytical thinking remains the most sought-after skill, followed closely by resilience, flexibility, and agility. In other words, employers want people who can think through a problem, keep going when things get hard, and adapt when something changes. 

That might sound like a lot. But the truth is, many people already have these skills in some form. The goal is learning how to recognize them, practice them, and show them in a way employers understand. 

This is especially important for job seekers with disabilities. Many bring strengths that workplaces need, such as consistency, careful attention to details, and the ability to follow a structure. With support and the right fit, these strengths can turn into real career growth. 

Transferable skills are the skills you can use in almost any job. They show up in how you work, not just what you do. They are often the difference between getting hired and getting promoted. 

Transferable skills include things like: 

• Communication 
• Teamwork 
• Time management 
• Organization 
• Problem-solving 
• Professional behavior 
• Technology confidence 

You can build these skills at any age. In fact, many people start learning them in high school. That is why employU offers youth opportunities like Career Camps and programs that help young people explore what they are good at and what they enjoy. Getting started early helps students feel more prepared for adulthood and more confident about their next steps. 

The following transferrable skills are the most sought after in 2026. 

Skill #1: Digital literacy and technology confidence 

In 2026, technology is part of almost every job. It does not matter if you work in retail, hospitality, manufacturing, or an office. Many daily tasks now include logging into systems, checking schedules online, sending messages, and completing training through a digital platform. 

Digital literacy does not mean you have to be an expert. It means you can use tools safely, follow directions, and communicate professionally through technology when needed. 

At employU, we help build these skills in a supportive way. Our pre-employment training can include computer basics, email etiquette, and practice with the kinds of tools people use on the job. We also offer on-the-job trainings where participants get the chance to build confidence through real work experiences where they can practice these skills with coaching support. 

Skill #2: Communication and social skills 

Strong communication helps people succeed in every job, even jobs that do not involve customer service. Employers want team members who can listen, ask questions, share updates, and speak up respectfully when something is unclear. 

Communication includes written, verbal, and nonverbal skills. It can also include knowing how to read a situation, understand expectations, and work well with different personalities. 

At employU, communication is not treated like a one-time lesson. We teach it, practice it, and build it over time. Through workplace readiness training, role-playing, and interview preparation, participants learn how to communicate in ways that feel natural and professional. Job coaches also provide guidance in real work settings, helping clients practice communication skills in the moment, not just in a classroom. 

Skill #3: Problem-solving and adaptability 

Workplaces change quickly. A manager may ask you to switch tasks. A schedule may shift. A machine may stop working. Even small changes can feel stressful if you are not prepared. 

That is why problem-solving and adaptability are two of the most important skills in today’s workforce. Employers value people who can stay steady, try a new approach, and keep moving forward. 

These skills are also connected to what the World Economic Forum calls “resilience, flexibility, and agility,” which are some of the top skills employers are looking for right now.  

We build adaptability through real experiences. employU’s paid work experiences and On-the-Job Training opportunities give people a chance to learn in real environments with real expectations. When challenges happen, job coaching provides the support to work through them. We also teach strategies like breaking big tasks into smaller steps, which can help reduce overwhelm and build confidence over time. 

Skill #4: Time management and organization 

Being on time, staying organized, and completing tasks consistently are some of the biggest expectations across all jobs. Time management is about more than “hurrying up.” It is about building routines that support success. 

For many job seekers, organizational skills need to be taught clearly, practiced regularly, and supported in a way that fits how they learn best. This is something we work on every day. 

employU supports time management by teaching tools that work in real life. This can include calendars, checklists, reminders, and ways to prioritize tasks. Clients also get to practice these routines during work experiences, so they can see what helps them stay focused and prepared on the job. 

Skill #5: Workplace etiquette and professionalism 

Professionalism does not mean being perfect. It means showing respect, following workplace rules, and taking responsibility for your work. 

Many job seekers benefit from learning workplace expectations in a clear and direct way. Things like how breaks work, what is expected during a shift, how to speak to a supervisor, and what to do when you make a mistake can be hard to learn without support. 

We teach workplace etiquette in ways that make sense. We talk about real examples, not confusing “unwritten rules.” We also support clients as they learn how to navigate workplace culture in real time, with coaching and feedback that builds confidence instead of fear. 

Skill #6: Self-advocacy and understanding accommodations 

One of the most empowering skills a person can build is self-advocacy. Self-advocacy means knowing your needs and being able to communicate them in a professional way. 

This includes understanding accommodations, making choices about disclosure, and learning how to ask for support when needed. These skills are important for independence and job retention. 

We help participants learn how to talk about accommodations clearly and confidently. That might include practicing how to request written instructions, structured tasks, or sensory-friendly supports. We also help clients understand their rights and build the confidence to speak up in ways that feel safe and respectful. 

At employU, everything starts with learning who a person is and what helps them succeed. That is why we focus on strengths and individualized planning. 

Many clients build self-knowledge through vocational evaluations and psychological evaluations, which help identify strengths, learning styles, and support needs. This information helps us create a plan that makes sense for each person, not a one-size-fits-all program. 

From there, people can explore careers, build skills, and gain experience through supports like: 

• Pre-employment training 

• Career exploration and job matching 

• On-the-Job Training (OJT) 

• Paid work experiences 

• On-the-job coaching 

• Support with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) 

We also offer programs like our Hospitality Immersion Program, which gives participants a hands-on way to practice workplace skills in an exciting and fast-paced environment. For youth, Career Camps help students begin building their toolkit early, so they feel more prepared for adulthood and employment. 

If you are looking toward 2026 and wondering where to begin, start with small steps that build momentum. 

You can ask yourself: 

• What are my strengths, and what kinds of jobs fit them? 

• What skills do I want to improve this year? 

• What support helps me stay organized and confident? 

• What work experiences could help me grow? 

From there, a few strong next steps might be practicing digital skills, strengthening your resume, or joining a training or work experience program that helps you build confidence. 

Most importantly, you do not have to figure it out alone. employU will work with you one-on-one to support you along the way.  

The workforce will keep evolving. New tools will keep showing up. Expectations will keep shifting. But with the right career toolkit, job seekers can do more than keep up. They can grow, succeed, and build a future that feels stable and meaningful. 

At employU, we believe in that future. We believe in your strengths. And we are ready to help you build the skills that get you there.  The future of work belongs to those who are prepared, and we are here to help you get ready. 

Contact Us