Introduction to core transferable skills

Core transferable skills are vital in improving young people’s work-readiness and are key to closing the current skills gap faced by many businesses.

Often referred to as essential or soft skills, they include skills like creativity, listening and speaking (communication), adaptability and problem solving. They can be developed at any stage of education and can be applied in any industry or job, even in future roles which may not exist yet.

Our 2025 Workforce Ready report shows that 83% of UK employers say difficulties around hiring skilled labour is negatively affecting their business’ ability to grow. Additionally, 60% of businesses believe a lack of employability skills are a key reason young people aren’t work ready. 

In an era marked by rapid societal, economic, and technological shifts – such as the rise of AI – jobs are evolving at increasing speed. Developing core transferable skills will support young people to thrive in the modern workplace and adapt to change throughout their professional careers. What’s more, these skills will lay the foundation to help drive growth for businesses and the economy. 

We know just how important these skills are for setting young people up for lifelong success. That’s why they’re embedded across all the resources we offer, starting with our dedicated suite of core transferable skills lessons.