European Agenda for Adult Learning Adult learning and Technology September 2015 Susan Easton Head of Digital Learning

NIACE as UK coordinator Digital skills research and practice National and international webinars, learner and provider surveys Barriers to use of technology for learners, tutors and providers Resource kit for learning

The digital skills deficit  Almost 20% of Europeans have never used the internet.  The Programme of International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC, 2013) found that an average of 14.9% of adults across OECD countries possessed either no or minimal digital competence.

Digital Skills for Life  In the UK, there are approximately 10.5 million adults who do not have basic digital skills.  69% are in the C2DE socio-economic bracket which includes the most disadvantaged and excluded members of our society  They are often furthest from the labour market.  Less likely to manage their finances and access cheaper products and services.  More likely to suffer from isolation, have lower incomes, be disenfranchised and have children who underachieve at school.  Impacts on them, their communities and families, democracy, public services and the UK’s economic and social health.

Sharing approaches NIACE and Beth Johnstone Foundation Digital skills for older people in Northern Ireland Community and intergenerational approaches 60 older residents in 37 sheltered housing schemes Informal personalised leaning matching experience and interests Digital toolkits

Digital skills for employment Range from generic to specialist skills for specific occupations. More advanced digital skills – can build and create Without digital skills, less likely to find, gain and sustain employment. By 2015, 90% of jobs in the EU will need at least basic computer skills and over half the UK workforce will require more than basic digital skills. Around half of adults lack these 62% of employers concerned about the IT skills of the current workforce

Digital skills and community learning NIACE Community Learning Innovation report shows that family / community learning successfully engages hard-to-reach or disadvantaged adults, motivating them to take the first steps in digital competence.Community Learning Innovation report Community learning uses multiple approaches to digital inclusion, to overcome barriers to digital participation Can community approaches provide a springboard to progress digital skills?

Impact forums Share approaches and resources: European, national and local levels Between community based groups, learning providers, technology third sector, national and local agencies, schools, employers In England, with Local Enterprise Partnerships

Partnership for digital skills What Employers Want “Keeping up to date with developments in ICT and digital technology is vital to the success of our business. Technology changes at a fast pace. All employees need to be open to change and able to adapt to new technology.” Community based interventions engage and support most vulnerable They are often furthest from the labour market. Digital skills increase employability Which digital skills do employers need? NIACE working with employers (e.g. Barclays) to embed digital skills in community provision and extend opportunities Local Enterprise partnerships, non digital and digital industries

Partnership for digital skills National survey of young people, their parents and carers found that 89% of parents / carers thought digital making was a worthwhile activity 74% would specifically encourage young people to pursue a related career. “Clear pathways should be built to help young people fulfil their digital potential” Need greater access to opportunities for a wider variety of young people

Example: Digital Families

Partnership for digital skills Increased number of disadvantaged people participating in digital making activities Changes in families’ attitudes to the digital skills for life, work, employment and careers

Digital skills for the future Comment: An inclusive digital future? future future