Digital skills qualifications to be overhauled to help more online
ADULT DIGITAL skills qualifications could be overhauled under new plans announced aimed at helping more people of all ages benefit from getting online.
The latest survey estimates that 11.3 million adults in the UK do not have the full range of basic digital skills required to operate effectively in day to day life, including sending an email or completing an online form, while 4.3 million have no digital skills at all.
With an estimated 90 per cent of all jobs in the next 20 years requiring some form of digital knowledge, Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Anne Milton believes it is vitally important that everyone, whatever their age or background, can gain the skills they need in an increasingly online world.
To help boost adult digital skills the Government has launched a consultation during Get Online Week setting out plans to overhaul the current national standards setting out the core digital skills people need, supporting them to use devices such as tablets, smart phones and laptop computers.
It would also introduces improved basic digital skills qualifications at two levels – beginner and essential – as well as introduce a nationwide entitlement for all adults without basic digital skills to enrol on the new qualifications free of charge from 2020.
Ms Milton said: “We have a big challenge to tackle. Technology is advancing quickly, but one in five of us in the UK don’t have basic digital skills.
“That means it might be a struggle to send an email, search on the internet, or shop online.
“Being able to get online is so important.
“It opens up a whole host of information, including being able to apply for jobs. It is also an important way to keep in touch with friends and family.”
Minister for Digital Margot James added:“Everyone should be able to take advantage of digital technology, whether it is learning how to send emails or developing specialist skills to work in a tech role.”