Skills make a “difference to all ages”

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3 million young adults feel that lacking the right skills has prevented them from pay-rises and promotions, research has shown.

Further, more than 1 in 10 adults over the age of 35 felt they needed to improve their skills.

Figures released by learndirect reveal that 20% of 18 to 34 year-olds believe that lacking in English, Maths, IT and Management abilities was holding back their career progression. The research was commissioned in order to demonstrate the growing concern over the UK skills base, closely following the release of Lord Leitch’s final report.

In response, the body has launched the first ever “learndirect Achievement Awards” in order to “demonstrate what a difference skills can make to people”.

Launching the awards, Minister for Skills Phil Hope said: “Poor skills have a hugely detrimental effect on peoples life chances. As the largest government supported e-learning initiative in the world, learndirect is improving national productivity by providing widespread access to world-class learning, helping people fulfil their potential and helping businesses thrive”.

“The learndirect Achievement Awards are a celebration of learning, recognising the achievements of people learning with learndirect, businesses training with learndirect, and the centres supporting them”.

Matt Dawson, Ex-England rugby player and “Strictly Come Dancing Star” has pledged his support to the initiative: “Since retiring from rugby I”ve had the opportunity to develop new skills and it’s been a life-changing experience for me. I”m supporting the awards because I know how important it is to have the right skills to do the job, both on and off the pitch”.

“The people, businesses and learning centres recognised by the awards will be those who have gone the extra mile to develop skills. By working to improve themselves they are contributing to the success of the country”.

He urged: “I”d encourage everyone to make a nomination for the Awards”.

For more information click here.

Vijay Pattni.

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