To considerable media interest, the OECD published the early findings from the PIAAC survey of adult competences yesterday 8th October.  The report Skilled for Life? Key findings from the Survey of Adult Skills is featured below and there is also a SlideShare presentation from the launch by Andreas Schleicher.

The study measures skills in 3 categories - literacy, numeracy and digital - and was undertaken in 24 countries using interviews with large random samples of the population in each participating country.

Key findings

The study points to profound inequalities in the levels and distribution of these skills both between and within countries. Scandinavian countries, the Netherlands, and Japan are above average in all three skills categories, whilst the UK (without Scotland and Wales), the US, France and Spain were below average in all three categories.

There were also wide gaps in skills between age groups, with usually, the older generation faring worse on digital skills. Strikingly, in the UK, the younger generation performed very poorly in literacy and numeracy,and much worse than the older generation.

Social background is also related to performance in a number of countries. Notably in the UK, US, Germany, Poland and Italy, performance was related to social disadvantage. However, the opposite was true in some other countries, notably Australia, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, where high levels of proficiency were found across all backgrounds.

Migrants were particularly at risk in many countries with lower literacy and numeracy skills than native-born residents.

In almost all countries, some 10% of the population are without even the most basic computer skills.

Policy pointers

The study warns more education does not necessarily translate into better skills. What is vital is strong basic education coupled with accessible adult education. Skills success depends more on non-formal and informal learning.

There is a clear need for coherent and inclusive strategies for lifelong learning. It is clear that adult education often does not reach those with already poor skills. The real challenge is to extend adult education to all, and to encourage and motivate in particular disadvantaged adults to improve proficiency through innovative approaches, community involvement and public investment. Steps are needed to help people understand the personal and social benefits of non-formal learning.

The response must involve partnerships of civil society organisations, employers, learning providers and learners.

PASCAL proposals - understanding the challenges for cities and regions

The PIAAC study offer powerful data at national level, but the very diversity in distribution of skills it uncovers suggests that local variations will be wide, and that local strategies will be necessary to provide the most appropriate response to local situations within national policy frameworks. It is recognised that city and regional authorities are increasingly better placed to formulate and implement best-fitting responses to local problems and priorities.

Through its newly launched Learning Cities 2020 programme PASCAL can assist cites and regions conduct 'local PIAAC studies' and explore options to improve skills performance, and local economic performance and social well-being. Please contact PASCAL to discuss the best way to take these issues forward in your city or region.