Updating the UK Standard Skills Classification: a simpler, shared system for describing skills needs, by Frank Bowley

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: analysis, data, Insight, services, skills england tools

Skills England recently launched an updated first full version of a ground-breaking tool to help everyone speak the same language about skills. Developed in partnership with the Warwick Institute for Employment Research (IER), the University of Sheffield, and Omnifolio, the …

AI skills at work: what employers can do now, by Helen Slater

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: artificial intelligence, Insight, upskilling

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already changing how organisations across the UK operate. From drafting documents and analysing data to supporting customers and improving services, many employers are starting to use AI in their day-to-day work. But simply having access to AI …

Understanding the Skills England Expert Network, by Nikki Christie

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Insight, News and announcements

Across the skills system, there’s an incredible wealth of employer insight and experience. Through my time at Skills England, I’ve seen first-hand the value of drawing on this expertise and how it supports better decisions and outcomes. From engaging in …

What we've heard about employability skills in young people and the role Skills England can play, by Tessa Griffiths and Sarah Maclean

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Insight, NEETs, post-16 white paper, Strategy, Youth Guarantee

ONS data shows that around one in eight young people aged 16-24 in the UK (about 957,000 individuals) are not in education, employment or training. The government’s recent announcement of a £1 billion youth employment package highlights just how urgent this …

Building skills for opportunity: how Skills England is paving a pathway to success for young people, by Tessa Griffiths and Sarah Maclean

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Apprenticeship assessment, data, Insight, national apprenticeship week, News and announcements, Strategy

Every young person deserves the chance to build a rewarding career, regardless of their background. That's the ambition at the heart of the government's opportunity mission, and the UK Youth Guarantee initiative, and it's an ambition that Skills England is working hard to deliver.  This National Apprenticeship Week, we’ve been …

Strengthening assessment without compromising quality, by Carmel Grant

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Apprenticeship assessment, News and announcements

In our December 2025 blog, Deputy Chief Executive Gemma Marsh set out why apprenticeship assessment reform matters – we explained how simplifying and strengthening assessment can better serve apprentices, employers and the wider skills system. Since then, we’ve moved into …

AI Skills Boost: Skills England’s AI foundation skills for work benchmark supports free AI training for all, by Phil Smith  

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: artificial intelligence, News and announcements, skills england tools

Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are changing the way we work.  In order to benefit from the opportunities AI presents, boost  economic growth and career success, it’s essential that people have the right skills and are confident in using them.   The challenge Too many people in the UK lack digital …

Driving outcomes through place and sector: Phil Smith explores Skills England’s 2025-2026 delivery plan

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Industrial Strategy, News and announcements, Strategy

In the summer of 2025, shortly after the creation of Skills England, I shared with you the priorities that will guide our work. Now, as we begin a new year, I’ve been reflecting on the enormous energy and commitment I’ve seen across our …

Understanding the apprenticeship assessment reforms and what they mean for you, by Gemma Marsh

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Apprenticeship assessment, News and announcements

Reforms to apprenticeship assessments were announced by the Department for Education (DfE) and Minister for Skills in February 2025.  Since joining Skills England in May 2025 as Deputy Chief Executive, I’ve spent much of my time listening, learning and building …

Occupations in demand in 2025: what the analysis means for the skills system, by Frank Bowley

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: analysis, data, Insight, News and announcements, Statistics

Skills England has published its latest analysis, occupations in demand, exploring the occupations most in demand across the UK labour market in 2025. This analysis helps us to understand which employers and industries are likely to be feeling the greatest pressures to recruit and retain workers, and the level of qualification those workers are likely to need.  Used alongside other …