Skills in England 2005

Volume 1 - published 19.07.06

Volume 2, 3 - published 07.08.06

Skills in England 2005 draws upon the latest research and analysis. It seeks to develop an understanding of the current supply of skills and the demand for skills now and in the future. Although it reports real and significant progress, the report also makes it clear that there are many issues and challenges to face. It goes into some detail about developments over the past twelve months, and also looks in depth at the challenges ahead.

An overall theme of Skills in England 2005 is that skills are crucial to addressing the two main challenges facing the economy and labour market: intensifying international competition and addressing social exclusion.

The report says that perhaps the most difficult challenge of all will be to raise the demand for skills. Unless employers can be persuaded to recognise the benefits of skills – and invest more heavily in them – further supply-side intervention is likely to be ineffective.

Another clear message is that when it comes to skills, we do not just need more of the same. Greater emphasis is needed on: adults and basic skills; vocational qualifications; and the focusing of a significant proportion of post-16 training activity on future skill needs.

While the overall demand for skills will continue to rise, the mix of skill requirements will change rapidly. Rising skill levels are expected in most occupations. Many existing skills will become obsolescent, so there is an urgent need to upskill and retrain the current workforce. This is especially true since the declining numbers of young people entering the workforce beyond 2010 will lead to a greater reliance on older workers. This demographic change also increases the need to look beyond the current employed workforce; this may mean attracting new migrants and moving people from benefits into work.

Unfortunately, half of those employees with low skills still say that nothing will induce them to enter formal learning. Failure to convince these groups, says this report, endangers the prospects for future economic prosperity, as well as social cohesion. Train to Gain and other innovative approaches to the way people are trained in the workplace can help to achieve engagement.

The report is published in three volumes: Volume 1 contains key messages and main findings; Volume 2 is the full research report and Volume 3 provides regional and local perspectives.

 Skills in England 2005 - Volume 1: Key Messages (1.5MB)

 Skills in England 2005 - Volume 2: research report (1.53MB)

 Skills in England 2005 - Volume 3: regional and local evidence ( 843KB)