On 21 May, our Essential Skills Summit explored why essential skills, like literacy, numeracy, digital and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), have never been more important.
Our society and economy are undergoing rapid change, often driven by new technologies. Yet good essential skills remain fundamental, whether you’re trying to access health services online or a business seeking to develop a capable, skilled team. In England, almost 9 million working age adults are estimated to have low essential skills. And as society and the economy move on, the risk that people without the essential skills needed for life and work are left behind is growing. At L&W, we believe that needs to change.
Building on the legacy of our longstanding annual events on English, Maths and ESOL, our new Essential Skills Summit is unique in its focus on research, policy and practice in adult essential skills. Drawing on expertise from across the sector, this online event explored key issues in essential skills, including:
- The state of play. What are the implications of the Government’s learning, skills and employment priorities for essential skills, and is it enough to make a difference? What is the impact of skills devolution, and what scope is there for strategic authorities to address essential skills needs in their areas?
- Joining up essential skills and work. With adult skills policy moving into DWP, what are the opportunities to join up essential skills and employment support? How can this be designed for the benefit of people looking for work, and those considering a return to the labour market after time out? What’s the role of employers, and how can they support essential skills for people in work?
- Essential skills and technology. Why and how do essential skills matter in the age of Artificial Intelligence? Can emerging technologies help address essential skills needs?
