Why are key skills important?
The gas industry has expressed concern about inadequate key skills among learners for some years. There have been surveys carried out nationally that have underlined the importance of key skills and have highlighted skills gaps in some of the key skill areas. In 1996, the Government undertook a skills audit of the UK’s performance on qualifications, learning and skills compared with France, Germany, USA and Singapore. With regard to key skills, it found the UK compared well in team working and IT among young people. But it did less well in communication skills and application of number. Consultation for the Dearing review of qualifications for 16-19 year olds (March 1996) revealed the need to improve communication skills and application of number. Employers stressed the importance of developing wider skills including interpersonal skills, team working, presentational skills problem solving and the ability to manage one’s own learning.
