Skills

The UK’s significant skills gap is not just an issue for businesses and the workforce—it begins much earlier, within the education system. Research consistently highlights the need to embed practical, vocational skills training into secondary schools to better prepare young people for further education and employment. According to the Skills for Jobs: Lifelong Learning for Opportunity and Growth White Paper (2021), early intervention through education is critical for addressing the nation’s growing skills deficit. By aligning training within schools to the demands of employers, we can create a pipeline of skilled, work-ready individuals before they leave compulsory education.

Many young people leaving school lack the foundational skills—both technical and soft—that are essential to access further education or sustain employment. For example, GCSE English and maths serve as critical gateways to post-16 education, yet thousands of students each year fail to meet the required grades, creating a barrier to progression. The government’s Youth Guarantee initiative, outlined in the Get Britain Working White Paper (2024), aims to provide all young people with access to training or education, but schools play a vital role in ensuring students are ready to take that next step.

Embedding vocational training into the school curriculum can help re-engage students who feel disconnected from traditional academic subjects. By demonstrating the relevance of English, maths, and other core subjects through employer-led programmes, schools can reignite interest and provide students with a sense of purpose. Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs), introduced in the Skills for Jobs White Paper, offer a framework for aligning school training programmes with local labour market needs, ensuring students are being prepared for real-world opportunities.

Furthermore, soft skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving are increasingly in demand by employers and can be cultivated during secondary education through work-based learning initiatives. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, investment in skills training must start early to counteract declining adult participation in vocational qualifications later in life. Schools are uniquely positioned to provide this foundation, creating a smoother transition into further education or employment and reducing the risk of students becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).

Incorporating skills training into the school timetable not only addresses the skills gap but also fosters student confidence, engagement and ambition. By creating clear pathways from secondary education to post-16 options, schools can play a pivotal role in building a workforce that is prepared to meet the evolving demands of the UK economy. SkillED Innovation is dedicated to supporting schools in this mission, delivering tailored, employer-led programmes that equip students with the skills they need for a brighter future.