Whilst students might still be resting their hopes of landing their dream job on the A-level results they have received, employers are placing more emphasis on essential skills like teamwork, presenting and problem-solving - qualifications are only part of the requirement.

Because of the difficulty in assessing at the recruitment and selection stage, for the first time leading organisations in the education and employment sectors - the CIPD, The Careers & Enterprise Company, Business in the Community, the Gatsby Foundation, EY Foundation and the Skills Builder Partnership - have joined forces to agree a universal framework for these essential skills.

Already used by over 700 establishments, the new organisation will develop the ‘skills builder framework’ and set out the skills needed to thrive at work. In addition, it will show how these can be assessed and developed - and can be used by students, workers and employers.

The benefits of the ‘skilled builder framework’ will include making those charged with educating students aware of the skills that are required by employers - so ensuring that they are well equipped to join the workforce.

Also, it will help employers to hire the right people and provide the applicants with a better idea of the skills required for success in each role. Employers will be able to see what progression looks like for each of the different skills - thus enabling them to plan how to up-skill or re-skill their workers.

Given the increasing use of technology in the workplace, employers also recognise that whilst automation can replace repetitive roles, the more creative and complex tasks need to be performed by humans - and require the essential skills.

In his review of Modern Working Practices, Matthew Taylor - the RSA’s Chief Executive and champion of this project - called for a framework like this to be introduced. Employers from different sectors will be consulted about the framework and it will go through several development stages with the final version expected in spring 2020.  He said:

“With the nature of work continuing to evolve, it is challenging to predict exactly what technical abilities and skills will be needed in years to come. However, there’s growing recognition that the core skills, which are essentially human and behavioural, will be vital in almost all jobs and roles. The work of the task force is an important step towards achieving a common understanding of these essential skills from education right through to our workplaces. Establishing a framework and a common language for these skills is vital in creating the clarity we need to achieve more productive, high-performing workplaces that enable people whatever their backgrounds to feel engaged and empowered in their jobs.”

Sir John Holman - Chair of the Essential Skills Task Force - said:

“If you ask employers what they are looking for in the people they hire, they increasingly specify essential skills like communication and teamwork. They take for granted that employees must have sound educational qualifications and what makes the difference is the higher order essential skills which a machine cannot offer. By producing a universal framework of essential skills that are clear, measurable and authoritative, we will give employers a toolkit that they can use to select and train the employees they need to succeed in tomorrow’s workplace. Equally importantly, it will be a toolkit that schools, colleges and universities can use to help the students develop these skills.” 

Christine Hodgson - Chairman of Capgemini in the UK, Chairman of The Careers & Enterprise Company and a trustee of Business in the Community - said:

“As an employer, we want to make sure we’re recruiting people with the right skills to thrive in the 21st century workplace. But without a common language and shared understanding, it can be difficult for employers to identify easily or communicate what they’re looking for. And it’s harder for schools to make sure they’re focusing on developing the right skills. By helping schools, young people and employers to all pull in the same direction, this work will help us prepare young people for the fast-changing world of work.”