Ultimately, skills needs will emerge from what the country aims to do and be in future years. The challenges the country faces – an aging population, building more housing and infrastructure, embracing new digital technologies and aiming to reduce our carbon footprint. 

The UK economy will need people with essential skills such as literacy and numeracy, oral and written communication skills as well as specialist skills and knowledge for roles in a changing economy. We have a significant number of adults without basic literacy and numeracy skills. Tackling these issues will require tried and tested skills which have served the nation well for decades – good levels of English and maths, alongside effective engineering and construction skills. 

As technology advances newer digital skills will be required but, as with English and maths, there are far too many people without basic digital skills. Caring skills and skills around being an effective communicator will also be needed.

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