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SME workers 'now more skilled'

Published On 24 May 2007 at 12:50:37

The skills of people working in the nation's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have steadily risen in the last two decades, according to a new report.

Four university professors from the UK analysed the skills of workers over the last twenty years and found that there are fewer unskilled jobs now compared to 20 years ago.

In fact, in 2006, just 28 per cent of jobs were suitable for people with no formal qualifications - compared to 38 per cent in 1986.

The study showed that some skills, such as IT and 'influence skills' - things like the ability to persuade and write long reports - have become increasingly important for SME workers.

In 1997, a third of jobs required IT skills, but now half of all jobs require this sort of ability and training.

Launching the report, Bill Rammell, the minister for lifelong learning, further and higher education, said that it was not vitally important that SMEs told the government what skills they need workers to have to be effective.

"All the evidence points to a growing need for skills for our competitiveness," he explained. "Employers are now in the driving seat ensuring qualifications meet their needs. Qualifications must closely reflect the skills they want. We want their involvement in the qualifications reforms under way."

 

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