Learning and Work Institute

FAQs

Why is reskilling and upskilling so urgent now?

Up to three million UK jobs in declining occupations could disappear by 2035, largely driven by AI and automation. While the labour market as a whole is expected to grow, growth is concentrated in professional and associate professional roles, not in many lower-skilled jobs. Without intervention, people in at-risk occupations face increasing insecurity and fewer progression routes. Strengthening adult learning and employer training is essential to help workers transition into growing roles and to support inclusive economic growth.

Which occupations are expected to grow or decline by 2035?

Growth is projected to concentrate in professional and associate professional occupations that typically require higher-level skills. In contrast, most low-skilled occupations are declining, and this decline is accelerating as technology changes tasks and business models. This widening divide means workers in lower-skilled, routine roles are disproportionately exposed to displacement risk.

How can the adult education and skills system better support people in at-risk occupations?

The event will consider how to reinvigorate adult learning so it is more accessible, responsive, and equitable. Likely themes include improving access to flexible, modular learning; aligning provision with employer demand; and building clearer pathways into growing occupations. Strengthening local partnerships between providers, employers, and authorities can help target support where risk is highest. Expanding participation among underrepresented groups and enabling more workplace training are central to closing gaps.

What inequalities exist in access to lifelong learning and training?

Investment and participation in lifelong learning have declined, and large inequalities persist in who accesses training. Graduates are three times more likely to receive training at work than non-graduates, reinforcing existing advantages in the labour market. These disparities risk leaving those in declining occupations without the support needed to transition.

What evidence shows employer investment in training is falling?

Learning and Work Institute briefings report that employer investment in training per employee is down 36% since 2005. Complementary international case studies cited on the page note a 30% fall per employee since 2011. Together, these findings point to a sustained decline that undermines productivity, progression, and the UK's ability to respond to technological change. Reversing this trend is presented as critical to long-term economic growth.

What are the benefits of training for workers, especially those on lower rungs or from working class backgrounds?

Research highlighted on the page shows training is a boon for pay and career progression. The 'No train no gain' study finds the dividend is greatest for people on the lower rungs of the occupational ladder, helping them advance faster. A related news article underscores that working class people are paid more when they receive training from their employer. These findings strengthen the case for expanding employer-led training and equitable access to learning.

How do apprenticeships and higher technical skills feature in the current skills landscape?

The page references analyses of full-year apprenticeships data and a report on responding to higher technical skills needs, supported by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation. These works explore how employers and employees make training decisions and how pathways into skilled roles can be strengthened. Together, they point to the importance of high-quality technical routes aligned with labour market demand.

Why do England’s 670 occupational standards matter, and what challenges do they create?

Research highlighted on the page notes England now has around 670 occupational standards, more than double the number in countries like Germany and Switzerland. While standards can clarify expectations, this volume may create complexity and confusion for employers, providers, and learners. L&W and Pearson’s reflections argue for greater clarity and alignment to make the system work better. Simplifying and streamlining could help ensure standards support, rather than hinder, effective reskilling pathways.

What international insights can help the UK boost employer investment in skills?

A Nuffield Foundation–supported series and new international case studies identify effective employer practices and public policies from abroad. These insights suggest ways to increase employer co-investment, strengthen incentives, and design training systems that deliver clear returns. They also highlight how coordinated national and sectoral approaches can reverse long-term declines in training. The lessons are timely for the UK as it seeks to raise productivity and support transitions into growing roles.

How can I keep track of labour market changes relevant to reskilling?

Learning and Work Institute produces a monthly labour market dashboard with detailed analysis of the latest ONS statistics. The interactive charts help users explore employment, participation, and other indicators, including trends affecting young people. These insights can inform planning for skills provision, employer strategies, and policy decisions.

What resources can I read in advance to deepen my understanding?

You can explore L&W’s monthly labour market dashboard for current trends and the 'Falling short' briefing on the long-run decline in employer training. The 'No train no gain' report shows how training boosts pay and progression, especially for those on lower rungs. International policy insights and case studies outline how other countries increase employer investment. Reflections on England’s 670 occupational standards and analyses of apprenticeships and higher technical skills provide additional system context.

What events does Learning and Work Institute run?

Learning and Work Institute run a range of events throughout the year including conferences, webinars, summits, and roundtables. Our flagship annual event is the Employment and Skills Convention, which brings together leaders from the employment and skills sectors to debate key issues in policy and practice.

What topics does L&W publish research on?

Learning and Work Institute research covers a broad range of issues including adult skills and training, employment support, youth unemployment, apprenticeships, essential skills (literacy, numeracy and digital), workplace learning, and the future of work. All our reports and briefings are available free to download from our website.

What does Learning and Work Institute do?

Our work falls into four main areas: research and analysis, policy influence, programme evaluation, and campaigns. We work across a range of themes including lifelong learning, employment, essential skills, better work, young people, and apprenticeships and technical education.