"Bringing together high-quality teaching of essential skills, employment support and employer engagement could be a gamechanger for those looking for work." L&W Deputy Director @lwalexs.bsky.social explores how essential skills are the missing test of the skills white paper in @feweek.bsky.social.🗞️

'The old infrastructure for essential skills provision is increasingly creaking and dated' @lwalexs.bsky.social , @learnworkuk.bsky.social on how joining up Jobcentres and adult learning could be a gamechanger, with the right vision

#GetTheNationLearning is continuing to grow. 🚀 Investment and participation in adult learning has declined dramatically in the last decade, with large inequalities in access to learning opportunities. Our campaign is seeking to turn this around so everyone can learn throughout life. Here's why. ⬇️

New data shows a further 14% drop so far this year in adults taking English & maths courses. All due to fewer apprentices doing so after Government removed the requirement. Reminder: 9m adults in England have low literacy or numeracy; it'll take 25 years for all to get help on current trends.

"When it comes to adult literacy and numeracy skills, the data show barely any change over the past decade, with around 8.5m adults having low literacy and/or numeracy skills." This #InternationalLiteracyDay, @lwalexs.bsky.social reflects on the state of play on adult literacy. ⬇️📚

In @feweek.bsky.social, L&W Deputy Director @lwalexs.bsky.social comments on DfE's simplified residency rules for adult learners. 💬 Alex welcomes increased flexibility but warns the move "does nothing to reverse over £1bn of cuts to adult skills investment since 2010." Read Alex's full comment. ⬇️

We've launched a new campaign, Get the Nation Learning! Because when adults learn, our society and economy thrive. 💡 We need you to be a part of it, and there's a range of ways that you can get involved. Find out how: getthenationlearning.org.uk #GetTheNationLearning

Last Tuesday, L&W Deputy Director @lwalexs.bsky.social gave evidence on adult numeracy to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee. 🗣️ Alex explained that too many people are at risk of being left behind due to low numeracy skills, holding them back from opportunities in life and work.

We're hiring for a new Director of Policy and Research! In this key senior leadership role, you would lead research and development across learning, skills and employment areas, and contribute to policy which influences a fair and prosperous society. Find out more and apply by 24 March. 📨⬇️

Pleased to feature in @newstatesman.com about need to fix the foundations of literacy, numeracy & digital skills, and variations across country. Even more crucial given recent news of more austerity cuts to adult education & likely lowering of English & maths standards in apprenticeships in England

“It’s important to have transparency and accountability in how skills funding is spent.” Pleased to see L&W’s @lwalexs.bsky.social quoted in @feweek.bsky.social as devolved Adult Education Budget underspend figures are revealed. 🗞️ feweek.co.uk/mayors-bette...

Yesterday, organised by the Adult Literacy Trust, Skills Minister Baroness Smith of Malvern met with L&W Deputy Director @lwalexs.bsky.social and representatives of @aoc-info.bsky.social, @holexpolicy.bsky.social and @weaadulted.bsky.social to discuss adult literacy. 💡 (1/2)