Government and campaigns
By Ben Blackledge, Deputy CEO, Worldskills UK
Skills shortages and the problems that lie ahead if we do not act now are well documented. The recent REC report found that with a 10% surge in demand for staff across the economy, and the labour market restricted by shortages, we could see a 1.2% fall in expected GDP and productivity by 2027 – costing the economy as much as £39 billion a year.
It is a problem that needs to be addressed collectively by employers, young people and educators. We know that employers have frustrations about how prepared young people can be for the world of work and that young people are frustrated at a lack of information about what they need to get on in different careers.
Our report looking at the future of green skills, for example, found that although young people have a strong appetite for jobs combatting climate change, their interest is being thwarted by a lack of advice and support on how to pursue a green career.
It also highlighted the stark disconnect between increasing employer demand for green skills and young people’s knowledge of what they are. This disconnect matters because, while meeting the UK’s ambitions for net zero is essential for the planet, it also holds huge opportunities for the economy and for young people.
Looking at advanced digital skills, we found that 60% of businesses expect their reliance on advanced digital skills to increase over the next five years, while 88% of young people say digital skills will be essential for their careers.
However, while employer demand for digital skills is set to continue to grow, participation in digital skills training has declined. The number of young people taking IT subjects at GCSE has fallen by 40% since 2015, with the number taking A-levels, further education courses and apprenticeships all declining.
Employers’ complaints that the education system doesn’t give them what they need may be valid, but they need to get involved and help shape it. Getting young people better prepared for industry and the world of work takes time and investment, something employers need to recognise and value.
Working with government and colleges and training providers from the early stages, employers can play a more central role in developing curriculum and teaching methods that better meet their needs. We must also recognise that while the work-based technical skills young people need will change, the so-called ‘softer’ skills - such as performing under pressure and time management – will be required throughout their working lives.
At WorldSkills UK, we invest time and expertise in developing these skills to equip young people with the right mindset and attitude to get ahead in their study, work and lives in general. Investing in young people allows them to be the best they can be and ensures that business benefits from the unleashing of their full potential.
Looking to the best examples of how to meet the future skills challenge from other countries is a sensible approach – and something the REC explored in its report. As the international arm of the UK skills sector, WorldSkills UK is all about bringing international best practice to the UK.
From supporting young people competing internationally in a host of different skills, to working with from experts in other countries, we have found that there has to be a greater emphasis on the skills that young people will need to get on at work and throughout their career. We are continually seeking new ways to these careers to life and recently hosted online careers events, for example, on both digital and green jobs.
We are looking forward to driving discussions with REC at Conservative party conference about the importance of high-quality skills to jobs and prosperity, as well as showcasing our work in supporting the delivery of world-class standards in skills development.
We are particularly keen to work with employers on ways to inspire more young women and men in to their industry and how to develop the skills both young people and industry need.
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