It is generally accepted that skills are a key driver of economic productivity and economic dynamism. They are a means by which individuals and communities can become resilient to social and economic change and are a key driver of innovation and social mobility. However, over the long-term, UK skills policy has failed to produce a system that fully realises these benefits.

Areas requiring particular attention include the level and structure of funding in further and higher education; more apprenticeships for young people; the 'missing middle' between upper secondary education and university degrees; and measures to ensure adults can access public support for retraining over the lifecycle.

---

3 June 2025

The British Academy

A joined-up approach to UK skills policy

Link To Website

DOI: 10.5871skills/9780856727023/

Download Press Release

This External report is part of the centre's Education programme.

This publication comes under the following theme: Vocational education and training