What is the role of skills in helping people get into work?

Lord Victor Adebowale

Chief Executive, Turning Point

UKCES Commissioner

UK Commission Research

Why are skills important?

• People with lower skills are less likely to be employed

• The shape of the labour market is changing and people with low skills will have fewer opportunities

• Without skills development people can get stuck in a ‘low pay no pay’ cycle

Source: LFS 2010 (Average of four quarters)

The lower the qualifications the less chance of employment

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Inactive - student

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There are a decreasing number of middle level jobs available...

...which leads to “Bumping Down” and increased competition for elementary occupations

Skills development can help break the ‘low pay, no pay cycle’

Does skills development work?

Training and skills development works but....

• The impact is seen over the longer term

• Training should be matched to the needs of the individual

• Training should meet employer needs and include an opportunity to put skills into practice

• Career guidance is required to support good decision making

• Embedding in a broader approach to address labour market disadvantage works best

Whose responsibility is it?

• Individuals – to overcome barriers and move positively towards employment

• Employers – to improve job quality and invest in training

• Government - to develop policy based on practice and experience

Turning Point Case study

Mike (aged 36)• Mike was referred to Turning Point’s Rightsteps Employment

service feeling that his lack of success in finding work had affected his confidence.

• Turning Point looked at practical problem solving and helping Mike to break things down into manageable pieces.

• The next stage was to use the ‘positive you’ technique, focussing on what Mike liked about himself and what he felt positive about.

• This was complemented with work strengthening Mike’s assertiveness and communication skills.

• By the end of the six treatment sessions Mike’s score on the PHQ had decreased from 23 to 14.

• At his last session Mike said he had a job interview and later found out he’d got the job. Mike thanked Rightsteps Employment and said “you helped me realise that I have a lot to offer”.

Conclusions

• Low skill levels decreases employment prospects

• Skills development activities have a positive impact, delivered in the right way and as part of a broad approach to address labour market disadvantage

• Individuals, employers and government all have a role to play