Skills and employability

Background

For many UK online centre customers, computers and the internet can be the hook that draws them into a centre, and onto further learning. 

From starting out with myguide, the accessible, easy-to-use internet and email service, many go on to learn more about computers with simple word processing and spreadsheets.  That can open up opportunities to address literacy and numeracy needs. 

As customers grow in confidence, many move on to take English, Maths and ICT qualifications, try more advanced online transactions, job searches, CV building and even volunteering in their centre. 

UK online centres offer vulnerable or excluded people the support, tools and flexibility to make changes to their own lives.  Central to the UK online centres' journey is that the customer controls the route and pace of their progression, and centres work with other agencies to ensure they are referred to the appropriate courses, information and guidance. 

Did you know?

• Half of all UK online centre customers have no formal qualifications

• More than a third of customers progress to take up information, advice and guidance, further education or employment
  

Policy context

"The pervasiveness of ICT skills, both at work and for leisure purposes, means that functional competence in using ICT needs to be counted as an essential skill for the modern world."
Skills White Paper, March 2005

 "Skills that were once seen as specialist and technical, such as ICT, have increasingly become core requirements for most jobs."
Skills in the UK, Leitch Review of Skills, interim report, December 2005

 "Skills are a key driver of fairness, ensuring that everyone can share in the benefits of growth, reducing inequalities and helping ensure no group, region or area is left behind. The transformation taking place in the global economy makes this role even more important. Without greater equality of access to skills improvements, disparities will increase further."
Prosperity for all in the global economy - world class skills, Leitch Review of Skills, December 2006

 

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