Skills England will work with schools on careers advice

The first report from Skills England, the government’s new body for the skills system, has been published.

It provides an initial assessment of the nation’s working skills, as well as future skills needs and gaps which employers need.

The report has found that employer investment in training has been in steady decline over the past decade, with training expenditure at its lowest level since records began in 2011, with investment per employee down by 19% in real terms.

It also shows that, across the UK, almost 1 in 10, or over 2.5 million roles are in critical demand, with more than 90% being in roles that require training or education.

The need for jobs and skills varies across industries, with the health and social care sector experiencing the highest demand, followed by education, manufacturing, and science and technology.

The report says Skills England will work with the schools system to emphasise the importance of satisfactory levels of attainment in literacy and numeracy, and will support schools with the provision of high quality careers advice.

As a result of the report findings into the country's skills gap, the government has announced a new growth and skills levy which will replace the existing apprenticeship levy and include new foundation apprenticeships.

These new apprenticeships will give young people a route in to careers in critical sectors, enabling them to earn a wage whilst developing vital skills.