This webinar will present research from NFER’s The Skills Imperative 2035 programme and consider how the adult skills system can be reinvigorated to better meet the needs of people in at-risk occupations.

Up to three million UK jobs in declining occupations could disappear by 2035, largely due to AI and automation. Although the labour market as a whole is expected to grow in this time, growth will be concentrated in professional and associate professional occupations, whereas most low-skilled occupations are declining at an increasing pace.

It’s more important than ever that workers in declining occupations are supported by the adult education and skills system to upskill, reskill and adapt to changes in the economy. However, investment and participation in lifelong learning have declined, with large inequalities in who accesses learning. Graduates are three times more likely to get training at work than non-graduates. This needs to change.

The webinar will be of interest to policymakers at national and local levels, researchers, learning providers, employers, and awarding organisations, as well as those interested in post-16 skills and education.

Speakers will include:

• Stephen Evans, Chief Executive, Learning and Work Institute
• Luke Bocock, Research Director, National Foundation for Educational Research
• Dr Fiona Aldridge, Chief Executive at Skills Federation and Skills England Board Member
• Jim Bligh, Corporate Affairs Director, British Retail Consortium
• Imman Laksari-Adams, Head of Strategy & Relationships, Greater London Authority