I’m going to get this out and on the table. We need to change the conversation on skills. We need to change it to one that focuses on the skills system we need rather than addressing whatever skills are currently in shortage. By creating a better skills system, we will address the challenges of the here and now, while creating capacity to adapt and deliver the skills we need for the future.
Let me explain my logic.
The UK skills system is no different from any other ‘supply chain’ to the economy. It is part of the 4th (or are we now in the 5th?) industrial revolution that is underpinning the transition of our economies to ones where change is the new normal. This feature of ‘continuous change’ has profound implications for how the skills we need are developed and delivered.
We can no longer rely on a system that is not geared to adapt, continuously and rapidly, or a system that favours those who have done well in mainstream provision at the expense of those who, arguably, could benefit most and are key to delivering the skills we need.
