1. Social mobility 19 January 2018 Tony Wilson
Director of Policy and Research, Learning and Work Institute
@LWtonywilson

2. “Social mobility is about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to build a good life for themselves regardless of their family background. In a socially mobile society, every individual has a fair chance of reaching their potential. But in today’s Britain, where you start from has a big influence on where you end up. Indeed, for young people it seems that the link between demography and destiny is becoming stronger rather than weaker.” ‘State of the Nation 2017’, Social Mobility Commission

3. Why this matters For the economy – lower growth, smaller economy,
For individuals – lower incomes, worse living standards, risks of poverty
For society – inequality, wellbeing, public services, dislocation
Cannot do this all justice in ten minutes!
So a couple of take-aways…

4. There’s a mixed picture on social mobility in Kent
Social Mobility Commission analysis finds that Kent is way above average on key indicators overall
With exceptions of Thanet and Gravesham
But on indicators of ‘youth’ mobility, Kent lags behind (broadly, measures of attainment of chidren receiving FSMs)

5. Our systems are too complicated

7. This isn’t preparing people for the future
Our analysis suggests major skills mismatches in the next decade
Projected gap between skills needs and population skills levels, 2024
This puts at risk up to 4% of economic growth
Equivalent to £90 billion
At individual level, £1,176 a year worse off (£60,000 over a working lifetime)

8. Our biggest challenges are basic and intermediate skills
Skills for Life Survey (2011): 1 in 4 adults have low levels of numeracy skills; 1 in 6 have low levels of literacy skills.
Census data (2011) records around 850,000 adults ‘non-proficient’ in the English language.
Research for Go-ON UK estimated that 23% of adults in the UK do not have Basic Digital Skills
OECD Education at a Glance (2015) – out of 34 countries:
19th for low skills, equivalent to five GCSEs at grades A*-C
24th for intermediate skills, equivalent to A Levels
11th for high skills, degree level.

9. What do we do about it?!
The right support for young people – building on what Kent is doing already
Employer engagement – recruitment, apprenticeships, traineeships, transitions
Essential skills – an integrated approach

10. Kent CC: Assisted Apprenticeships Programme
Bespoke approach using supported employment model
Vocational profiling - understanding barriers, and most importantly, skills and strengths
Professional careers guidance - informed decision making
Action planning - empowering clients
Travel training- promoting independence

11. E-mail Nicola.Aylward@learningandwork.org.uk
“I never look at a young person and say no. Young people have a lot to offer. We like to give them a chance to prove themselves and do well. They often surprise you with what they have To offer!”

12. Engaging employers www.employer-toolkit.org.uk
Hints and tips for recruiting and supporting apprentices
Employer case studies: gender, disability, ethnicity, age
Sources of further information and support

13. 13

14. Essential skills: a joined-up approach

15. Social mobility 19 January 2018 Tony Wilson
Director of Policy and Research, Learning and Work Institute
@LWtonywilson