In order to provide you with the best possible experience on the LifeSkills website we use cookies and similar technology to collect data from your device and browser while you are here. Collecting this data helps us to personalise content for you, understand how you use the website, allow access to social media features and deliver personalised service and advert message content. You can find out more in our Cookie Policy. Please select ‘Accept all’ to consent to us collecting your data in this way. To see other data collection options, select ‘Manage data preferences’.
The types of similar technologies used in this website fall into one of four categories - Strictly Necessary, Performance, Functionality & Profile and Targeting. You can find out more information in our Cookie Policy.
Please indicate the categories you wish to consent to by selecting ‘Manage data preferences’ and using the sliders below and then click “Save preferences” to retain your preferences for future visits. You can change these preferences at any time by clicking Cookie Policy on our website.
For learners from school through to university and beyond
What stage are you at?
For people like teachers, youth group leaders, mentors, local authorities, charities, job centre staff, and parents or carers
Work with a group or a class
Coach an adult
Tools, tips and activities to help your family
Resources for educators
Would you like to create a subgroup to help organise your saved items?
The skills employers look for are changing. Are you learning what you need to know at school? Nearly half of you say ‘no’, according to our latest survey.
Nearly half (48%) of young people we asked believe they’re not being taught the skills employers will be looking for in the near future. That’s the result of our survey asking 2,000 young people and their parents which skills they thought would be most important to businesses in the next 10 years, and whether they were being taught them.
We asked the question as part of our biannual LifeSkills Barometer survey, in response to the Future Work Skills 2020 report, which asked businesses the same thing. That report revealed this list of the skills businesses say will be the most important in entry-level candidates in 10 years’ time.
Interestingly, according to the LifeSkills Barometer, the majority of young people didn’t recognise the importance of many of these skills. Only 34% knew that prioritising workloads and having skills in a broad range of subjects would be required, while only 35% identified working in large teams as a priority.
“This is unacceptable,” says Head of LifeSkills Kirstie Mackey. “Businesses must work with education providers and the government to ensure young people have the skills needed to succeed.”
Commenting on these results, Founder of National Careers Week Nick Newman added, “It’s essential that young people not only understand the skills employers will be looking for in the future but are also given the appropriate guidance and support to develop them.”