RESKILLING AND UPSKILLING: KEY STRATEGIES FOR ENGINEERING COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT IN THE ERA OF INDUSTRY 4.0 AND 5.0

The purpose of this paper is to identify the key engineering competencies required in the context of the transformation brought by Industry 4.0 and 5.0 and to define the role of reskilling and upskilling strategies in the professional development of engineers. The methodology is based on a content analysis of national and international reports, directly addressing the formulated research questions. The findings indicate a significant shift in the profile of desirable skills – from traditional technical capabilities to digital, social, ethical, and leadership competencies. The main contribution of the paper lies in highlighting the synergy between technological transformation and the necessity for continuous competency development among engineers. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes reskilling and upskilling as strategic adaptation tools that support organizational innovation and flexibility. In practical terms, the results may assist employers and educational institutions in better designing development pathways for engineering professionals and in making informed decisions regarding investments in human capital.