The Work Confident Report - learndirect

The Work Confident Report

Making learning count

A report from learndirect

Part of the Make It Count campaign

2 The ‘Work Confident Report’

Contents

Foreword – Sarah Jones 4
CEO of learndirect

Setting the scene5
The work confidence gap

Executive summary 6
Key findings

Our findings 8
A crisis of confidence 11
The job hunt blues 13
The job hunt and skills shortage 16
The barriers to learning and breaking them down

Job seeking challenges across the UK 20
Regional views 22

Conclusion

The ‘Work Confident Report’  3

Foreword from Sarah Jones, CEO of
learndirect, the UK’s leading online
learning provider

I come to work each day positive in the knowledge Reading these statistics convinces me it’s timely to do
what we offer at learndirect transforms people’s lives, more to address this issue. We know from working with
giving them the skills and confidence to get back more than three million people, skills really count – with job
into employment. prospects, with workplace performance and with business
success. 97% of our learners say learning has given them
The need to focus on making sure the nation has the right the skills to help them in future working life3. Employers
skills has never been so acute as it is today. It deeply tell us, whether it is a short course or an apprenticeship,
concerns me around eight per cent of the UK’s working age training is vital to the success of a business.
population are out of work1. In fact we found two thirds of
the unemployed admit to feeling there is no hope – that This report, developed as part of our Make it Count
they will never find work. It is unacceptable many young campaign, is the next step in our journey. With some of
people are still leaving school and college with gaps in their our partners we want to encourage every adult, looking
qualifications which impacts on their job prospects and to either get back into work or improve their job prospects,
choices. The latest figures reveal almost one-in-five young to learn new skills and get the qualifications needed to help
adults (19-24) are NEET (not in education, employment or them become work confident. Our campaign is all about
training)2. For the unemployed, the monotony of endlessly inspiring and helping more people than ever before to use
searching for jobs and being rejected at interview can be learning to get work confident, ready for the economic
hugely disheartening and becomes a downward spiral. upturn. We’re also calling on employers to do their bit
Similarly, for those in employment, feeling ‘stuck in a rut’ – to make sure their workforce has the right skills or to
because they don’t have the skills to progress can have think about what they can do to help those with no hope
a real impact on job confidence. to find a job.

Clearly these figures tell us many people are struggling Whilst it is clear we are in the toughest economic and
to break into the workplace and even when people are in jobs market most of us can remember, there is cause for
work there is still a skills deficit. Despite the work we do, optimism. In my role I am in the fortunate position to
the efforts of our partners and the increasing number of witness on a daily basis the huge opportunities and benefits
apprenticeships on offer, there’s still more to be done. learning can open up for individuals and employers.
At learndirect, we are committed to helping people
harness their learning and qualifications to improve their By reading the Work Confident report, you will be better
job prospects – this year we will help more than 200,000 informed on the issues and barriers faced each day by
people learn new skills and get the qualifications they those not in work, in low-skilled jobs or by those wanting
need for work. to progress. You will also be able to read about some of our
amazing learners who tell us how they’ve made their skills
With this report – Work Confident – we want to get to the count and how they’ve overcome these barriers with the
heart of the reasons so many people are struggling with right skills, qualifications and support.
work confidence. We want to highlight the impact a lack of
skills and qualifications has on the job hunt and the huge
effect this can have on people’s lives. We have worked
with Professor Cary Cooper, the Distinguished Professor of
Organisational Psychology and Health at the University of
Lancaster, to understand the psychological and emotional
impact a lack of skills and qualifications can have on people.

Our findings are shocking: 96% of Britain’s unemployed job Sarah Jones, CEO
seekers admit to feeling there aren’t any jobs suitable for learndirect
the skills they possess and more than one in ten feel that
they have missed out on more than 50 jobs to date by not
having the right skills.

4 The ‘Work Confident Report’

Setting the scene:
The work confidence gap

The common experience: whether unemployed
or employed, a lack of the right skills and
qualifications can lead to a long, drawn out
and frustrating job hunt

96% of Britain’s unemployed job seekers admit to feeling About the research
there aren’t any jobs out there suitable to their skills.
YouGov was commissioned by learndirect to
58% of people working today admit a lack of skills has survey both the unemployed (n=1,023) and
led to them feeling trapped in their job without any room those in work (n=1,173) living in Britain today to
for progression or improvement. understand their views on the impact a lack of
skills and qualifications has on their hunt for jobs
Despite the routes to free or low cost learning for or progress within a company. The research took
many of Britain’s unemployed, as well as many place between 8 – 12 August 2011. This has been
training opportunities open to employers for their supplemented with stories about people and
workforce, many people feel a lack of the right skills companies who, through up-skilling, have become
and qualifications is a key obstacle in the hunt for work. more work confident. Top tips from experts to help
people on their way are included.
The vast majority of job seekers – whether already
employed or not – admit they don’t have the right
skills to get the jobs they want or progress within their
current organisation.

In the long term this can be very damaging with people
feeling frustrated, isolated, de-motivated and bored.
For those in employment, many feel de-valued if their
employer does not show commitment to on-the-job
training – indicating how important it is for businesses
to make a positive impact on productivity, profitability,
staff morale and employee retention by investing in the
right courses for workers.

This crisis in confidence has a direct impact on the kinds
of jobs people apply for, how they go about progressing
in their profession and how they feel in their personal life.
learndirect wants to get the nation feeling Work Confident
by showing people how to get the right qualifications and
skills so they can get the most out of their working lives.

learndirect offers a wide range of courses which can lead
to nationally recognised qualifications including maths,
English, IT, and business and management as well as tips
to help with the job hunt, including job interview skills and
how to write a great CV.

The ‘Work Confident Report’  5

Executive summary

For people up and down the country, a lack of the right skills
and qualifications is leading them to lose confidence in
themselves whilst also limiting their job prospects – whether
they’re unemployed and looking for work, looking to change
jobs, or hoping to progress with their current employer.
Some of the key issues we found include:

• Two thirds of the unemployed admit to feeling there
is no hope that something will come up for them in
regards to work

• 42% of the unemployed have been registered unemployed
for more than a year with this figure rising to 56% amongst
people looking for work who have less than five GCSEs

• 96% of Britain’s unemployed job seekers admit to feeling
there aren’t any jobs out there suitable to their skills,
causing many (86%) to feel that they are missing out on
the jobs they really want. This has led two thirds (63%)
to set their sights lower and go for lower-paid positions
after a long and unsuccessful job hunt

• This report reveals that the job hunt is a hugely
disheartening experience for many unemployed job
seekers: 70% admit to having felt trapped in an ‘endless
cycle’ of job hunting and interviews, with 66% admitting
it’s a challenge to stay motivated and keep on searching.
This challenge was most keenly felt by 18-24 year olds
(69%). 62% of the people surveyed had been unemployed
and looking for work for six months or more

• This frustration has a huge impact on their personal lives
– 54% worry ‘constantly’ about being able to pay the
bills with this figure higher (60%) amongst women.
39% feel de-valued and less respected by friends and
family with men feeling this is more of a problem (41%).
47% of respondents admit a lack of contact with people
has left their social skills ‘rusty’

• Unemployed job seekers say there are obstacles to
learning new skills, with the number one reason being
the perception that training is prohibitively expensive
(55%). This is despite the availability of government
funding for many unemployed people

6 The ‘Work Confident Report’

• The job interview itself is also seen as a real challenge Professor Cary
with more than a quarter (27%) feeling they aren’t good Cooper comments:
enough in an interview situation and 25% saying they’d
like to learn new interview techniques “This research highlights
fundamental issues which
• These job-related frustrations are not just limited to the underpin the way both
unemployed: for those in work, 72% admit to at least unemployed and employed
sometimes feeling they do not have the required skills or people are feeling at the
background to get ahead at work and 58% say this has present time. In an era when the job search is more
led them to feel trapped in their job, without any room for competitive than ever before, the nation is feeling
progression or improvement. More than half (58%) claim under qualified and lacking confidence.
they have missed out on a job because they lacked the
right skills and qualifications “Being Work Confident is key when it comes to
searching for a new job, not only does it make it
• A quarter feel less confident than they did a year ago easier to deal with the inevitable setbacks that
about how their skills and qualifications can help improve come with a job search, but employers also look for
job prospects – indicating a possible link with the ongoing confidence as an important quality in a prospective
economic and jobs uncertainty employee. Being armed with the right qualifications
and skills can go a long way to giving people this
• This sense of being ‘stuck in a rut’ creates feelings of much needed confidence boost.
boredom (41%), frustration (52%) and de-motivation (51%)
in employees, with more than a third (35%) admitting “learndirect offers people a second chance at
they feel ‘de-valued by their company’ learning at whatever life stage they may be at, be
it a school leaver who didn’t get the qualifications
• Almost two thirds (64%) believe learning extra skills and required to go into their chosen career through to
qualifications would make them feel more confident in a mature professional who has found themselves
their abilities – however, more than a third (35%) say their needing to change their career at a later point
employers don’t offer training and 39% say they don’t feel in their life. By arming yourself with skills and
very supported by their employers in this respect –13% qualifications you are getting into the ‘can do’
claim that their employer will only support training if it is mindset that is so needed in today’s tough
done outside of office hours job market.”

• The lack of the right skills and qualifications is a real issue
for both the unemployed and those in work but looking to
improve their career prospects. Of the unemployed, 30%
have said feedback from interviewers on why they didn’t
get the job is because other people were better qualified

The ‘Work Confident Report’  7

Our findings

A crisis of confidence

Two thirds of the unemployed admit to feeling there is The continued economic downturn and high unemployment
no hope that something will come up for them in regards figures, combined with the seeming lack of job prospects,
to work. means people both in employment and those looking to
get back into work are feeling less confident than they were
A quarter of those in employment feel less confident a year ago about their job prospects. Not only do two thirds
about their job prospects than they did a year ago. For the of those out of work admit to feeling less confident than
unemployed, this greatly increases with two thirds of those they did a year ago – only a third feel hopeful about their
seeking work admitting they have lost confidence in their job prospects in the near future.
ability in the last year.
Nearly two thirds of people in employment (64%) believe
Confidence about job prospects is directly linked to extra qualifications and skills would help make them feel
qualification levels, with those who have no formal more confident in their abilities. 28% stated it would make
qualifications feeling the least confident (73%) they them feel more confident in interviews. This was particularly
have the right skills to get back into work (Fig 1). true amongst people with 5 GCSEs or an Intermediate
GNVQ at 34%.
Around half of the unemployed didn’t feel confident they
had the right skills or qualifications to get them back into 19% of those in work say if they had better skills and
the workplace doing the job they want. By age, the lack qualifications it would make them feel more confident
of confidence is highest amongst 45-54 year olds (49%). in approaching their boss about opportunities within
Nearly two thirds of skilled workers (60%) feel they don’t the company. More than a quarter of people working in
have the qualifications needed to get back into the working retail (26%) felt additional qualifications would give them
world. This was reflected among people who worked in the boost they need to approach their boss to discuss
the sales and services sector, with 53% admitting they opportunities for them to move on in their workplace.
felt under qualified to get back into work.
learndirect realises how important learning is to getting on
For those in employment, 26% admitted they don’t in the world of work. 97% of learners who have learnt with
feel confident enough in their skills and qualifications learndirect say learning has given them the skills to help them
to improve their job prospects. People working in the in their future working life3.
agricultural sector admit to being the least likely to feel
confident in their ability compared with other professions,
with 54% admitting to feeling they don’t have the skills
or qualifications to progress.

Proportion of people showing a lack of confidence
in their skills by qualification level

Figure 1

80 73% 59% 56% 53% No formal qualfications
70 Between one and five GCSEs
60 Five GCSEs
50 Two ‘A’ Levels
40
30
20
10

0

8 The ‘Work Confident Report’

Professor Cary Cooper comments:

“If you think about the fundamentals of what confidence
means, it’s easy to see why there is such a strong link
between confidence and qualifications. As I see it,
confidence is the belief that you are capable of doing
something and performing it successfully. When it comes
to the working world, confidence is so important as it gives
people the belief that they can do the job they want.

“Feeling you are constantly not good enough is disheartening
and leads to low self-confidence and self-esteem which in
turn makes for an unappealing prospective employee. This
is the vicious cycle that many people are trapped in. If a
prospective employee lacks self belief in the own abilities,
it stands to reason that an employer won’t believe in them
either. Employers want staff that they believe will be an asset
to their business, both through the skills they bring but also
by having the confidence needed to deal with customers,
suppliers or other businesses.

“A lack of confidence can also impact on individuals’
personal lives and can leave them feeling depressed and
de-motivated. Gaining qualifications through courses such
as those offered by learndirect gets people out of this cycle,
whilst giving them a much needed confidence boost and
improving their job prospects.”

learndirect success story –
How Bernadette built up her confidence through learning

Having left school with no qualifications, Bernadette “I found the learning very flexible – which it needed
Whiten, 41 from Guildford, was anxious about returning to be in order to fit around my sons,” said Bernadette.
to learning. She had started to feel down about being “The atmosphere at the centre was great and the tutors
out of work and really wanted to rebuild her confidence were very patient, which helped to calm my worries
and gain employment. Since visiting the Guildford about going back into learning.
learndirect centre, Bernadette has passed her maths
and English qualifications with flying colours and has “As well as gaining qualifications, learndirect has given
just completed her European Computer Driving License my confidence a real boost – I’m even able to help my
(ECDL). She’s also enjoying a new job. sons with their homework now which I wouldn’t have
managed to do before!
“I wasn’t interested in school, so had no hesitation
in leaving at 16 and going straight to work at a local “The best part about my learning
factory,” said Bernadette. “It was only once I’d had experience though, is my new job.
my twin boys and wanted to move into an office role It’s a part-time admin role and it
that I realised just how essential it was to have some allows me to put all of the skills that
qualifications.” I’ve developed into practice.”

Bernadette found out about learndirect through
Jobcentre Plus where an adviser recommended she
take some qualifications to increase her chances of
gaining employment.

The ‘Work Confident Report’  9

learndirect success story -
Michele Marlow

“learndirect definitely changed my life
because I now have the confidence to
go into an interview and think yes I can
do that.”

What can people do to feel more Work Confident?

The job search is tough but remaining positive and focused will benefit the search try not to get disheartened
and don’t give up!

Courses are not only available in traditional subjects, if what you most need help with is your interview technique
or writing a CV there are courses out there to help with both

Whether it’s a course on improving your computer skills or brushing up your maths, improving on an area that isn’t
your strongest point will make you feel more confident

Visit www.learndirect.co.uk, to find a local centre or call free on 0800 101 901. The helpline opening hours
are Monday to Friday 8am to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday 10 am to 6pm

Top tips from Professor Cooper:

“Write a list of what you can do before you fill in an application form or go to an interview to help you feel more
positive. The more self-belief you have, the more a prospective employer will believe in your abilities as well.
Employees want staff who have a positive outlook on life and work and the self belief to make a role their own.”

“Have a think about what skill or qualification it is specifically that you feel is impacting on your confidence,
then take a look at what you can do to work on that, either through courses or if you are in work talking to your
employer about how you can get experience in that particular area.”

10 The ‘Work Confident Report’

The job hunt blues How the unemployed feel about being unable
to find work
55% of those in work admit to feeling trapped in their job
without any room for progression or improvement with 53% Figure 2
of job seekers admitting to feeling frustrated ‘every day’
by the job hunt. 60 53% 51% 39% 39% 34% 30% 27% 27%

This crisis in confidence is also having a huge emotional 50
impact on the UK population. Feeling stuck in an endless
cycle of searching for jobs or being ‘stuck in a rut’ at work 40
has a negative effect on people with both job seekers and
those in work admitting this affects how they feel about 30
working and getting work and their personal life. It affects
everything from how they interact and socialise with their 20
family and friends to how they feel about themselves.
10

0

Depressed Hopeful
Loss of confidence Embarrassed
Defeated Ashamed
Uninspired Lonely

Professor Cary Cooper comments: 58% of those in employment admit to feeling ‘trapped’ in
their job without any room for progression or improvement.
“As people struggle to get the job they want This feeling leads to nearly half (41%) feeling bored in their
with the skills they have, they can be left feeling job, 52% frustrated and 51% de-motivated. In addition,
worthless, unsure of themselves and de-motivated. 35% admit this led them to feel de-valued by their company.
This can lead to feelings of depression and isolation
from friends and family as people feel they can’t People with jobs requiring a degree or university level
fulfil the role they believe they should be doing qualification are the ones most likely (58%) to become
in society.” frustrated if they feel there’s no room for progression.
Skilled manual workers are the most likely to feel de-
valued by their company with 42% stating they felt this
way if there were no opportunities for progression.

For those seeking work, the biggest challenges they Professor Cary Cooper comments:
face are trying to stay motivated and keep on searching
(66%) and getting rejected for job positions all the time “The emotional impact of searching for a job
(56%). This impacts on the emotional well-being of job whether employed or looking for work is huge and
seekers, meaning they are often not in the right mindset can be a draining and exhausting experience. By
to continue on their search for work (Fig 2). its very nature, the job hunt leaves people open to
criticism and comments from others in a way that
learndirect success story - is unlike anything else experienced as an adult.
Aaron Anderson This is tiring and can be tough.

“The thing I value most about learndirect is the “The fact many people feel depressed and are
knowledge I have gained. I had always suffering a loss of confidence can be linked back
been told I was ‘stupid’ because I had to their lack of relevant qualifications meaning
never had any formal qualifications they feel unsure of how to progress. I advise
but I’ve now proved to myself that people if they feeling de-motivated, more sensitive
that wasn’t the case. I can take than normal or at a loss as to what to do next, to
on new skills and I can learn and take a step back from the job search for even half
produce really good quality work. a day to bring a fresh perspective to the search.
It’s given me self-confidence and
the key skills that have enabled me “For those in work, feeling trapped will lead to
to go on to do an NVQ level 2 and it a loss of productivity as they will not feel they are
has definitely been the keystone valued as a team member or have opportunities
to me enrolling in the social to progress. I recommend that employers support
care foundation degree.” staff through training programmes and appraisals.”

The ‘Work Confident Report’  11

learndirect success story –
How Nigel got the learning bug and blasted the blues away!

Nigel Guppy, 48, from Poole, left school at 16 “Taking on the ECDL was a challenge, but I found it
to go straight into the workplace on a four year incredibly rewarding. I really enjoyed doing something
apprenticeship. Having spent 30 years in the productive with my time, meeting people in similar
mechanical engineering industry, he was made circumstances, and knowing that what I was achieving
redundant in 2008. Depressed and demoralised, would stand me in good stead for the future.
Nigel turned to learndirect to gain the qualifications
he needed to embark on a new career. He is now “After I had the ECDL under my belt, I decided to refresh
in full time employment, working as a work-based my English and maths skills with learndirect too. It was
engineering assessor. important for me to get qualifications that I could feel
proud to have on my CV.
“I’d spent decades doing manual work but felt it was
time for a change, and so I made the decision to aim “After two months of voluntary work with Best Training,
for an office role. After going to my local Jobcentre I was taken on full time as a tutor, and was thrilled
Plus, I was referred to learndirect in Poole. My IT skills to be in a position to support others through their
were very basic – I really only knew how to email and own qualifications. After gaining more
surf the web – so I started with the European Computer qualifications it made me realise
Driving License (ECDL) qualification, which I knew I wanted to specialise in the
would improve my prospects for the future. engineering industry and I’ve now
got a new job as a work-based
“I was very apprehensive about returning to learning engineering assessor at Poole
having never enjoyed school. However, as soon as I College. I’ve got a new career at
arrived, I realised there was nothing to fear. Everyone the age of 48 and I couldn’t be
at learndirect was so helpful and friendly, I couldn’t happier! I don’t know what the
have asked for a better first impression! future holds – but I know I love
learning and I don’t want to stop!”

Top tip from Professor Cooper for people looking for work:

“Look at the feedback you have been given in your job search so far – is there one consistent comment that you
could work on that would improve your job prospects? Is there one aspect that if you could change would really
benefit you, such as how well you perform in interviews – once you have identified this, explore courses that
could help.”

Top tip from Charlie Mullins, founder of Pimlico Plumbers:

“If you aren’t getting feedback on why you are not getting the job you go for – ask! You have the right to know
and you may find that people’s comments are really constructive and helpful.”

Top tip from Professor Cooper for people looking to progress in their job:

“If you feel you are being passed over for jobs and this is having an impact on how you feel at work, don’t be
afraid to ask what you can do to improve your chances. Your boss will be impressed with your motivation. Likewise
look at the skills the people they are employing have – are there qualifications you could do that they have got?
learndirect has a huge amount of courses available so take a look online and see what they could offer.”

12 The ‘Work Confident Report’

The job hunt and skills shortage

42% of the unemployed questioned have been registered For those seeking work, a lack of qualifications was the
unemployed for over a year. This figure rises to 56% reason they missed out on jobs. 85% of job seekers cited
amongst people looking for work who have less than this as the reason they have been passed over for jobs in
five GCSEs. the past with this figure 82% amongst 18-24 year olds.
This figure amongst young people is a particular cause for
96% of Britain’s unemployed job seekers admit to feeling concern in light of recent unemployment figures amongst
that there aren’t any jobs out there suitable to their skills 16-24-year-olds, hitting close to one million2.
with 72% of people in employment stating they at least
sometimes feel they do not have the required skills or 15% say they have missed out on more than 50 jobs to date
background to progress in their chosen career. by not having the right skills (Fig 3) – this was particularly
high amongst skilled manual workers with nearly a quarter
When it comes to the job hunt, many people – whether they (24%) admitting they have been turned down for jobs more
are in employment or unemployed – don’t feel their current than 50 times.
qualification levels can help them get the jobs they want.

Their lack of qualifications was felt to be hindering their job Percentage of unemployed people who feel they
chances with 78% of job seekers wishing they had more have been turned down for a job
qualifications to offer prospective employers. This was
most apparent in 25-34 year olds at 86%. It is not just job Figure 3 More than 50 times
seekers who are concerned by the skills and qualification 20-50 times
levels amongst the UK population, companies also want 30 15% 13% 16% 15% 26% 10-19 times
action to improve qualification levels with literacy (53%) 25 5-9 times
and numeracy (42%), as well as customer service (40%) 20 less than 5 times
and communication (40%) skills all being highlighted as 15
lacking in current or prospective employees4. 10
5
64% of those in work wish they had more skills or 0
qualifications to offer current or prospective employers,
highlighting qualifications are felt to be the key to getting For almost a half of job seekers (46%) one of the biggest
their chosen career. The way people felt about their skills challenges is regularly looking through the job pages and
levels differs greatly between industries, 75% of people who seeing so many positions unavailable to them because
worked in the motor industry wish they had more skills to they don’t have the right qualifications. This indicates
offer prospective employees with 65% of those questioned that lacking the right skills for the jobs available is a real
working in retail and wishing the same. stumbling block on the job search and shows how vital it is
for learners to be offered an individual approach to learning.
learndirect success story -
Lloyd Briggs Lacking the right skills for current vacancies is also
highlighted by all job seekers as one of the main reasons
“I did badly at school and they aren’t getting the jobs they want – whether within
was finding it hard to find their current employment or at a new place of work. More
a permanent job. I’d than a quarter of those in work (26%) feel they have been
always been interested in passed over for a job in their current work place because
computers but didn’t have others are more qualified than they are. This is highest
the qualifications to prove amongst those working in the motor industry at 47%.
to employers that I had the
right skills. After going to More than half (58%) of people in work believe they have
learndirect I was offered missed out on jobs they have applied for because they
work experience in the IT lack the right qualifications and skills. This belief is highest
department of a school and amongst clerical and manual workers where 69% and 64%
from this was offered a full time
job as an IT technician.”

The ‘Work Confident Report’  13

stated their the lack of qualifications is holding them back Proportion of people who feel they have lost out on
from progressing in their careers (Fig 5). a job because of a lack of qualifications by job type

Those in work with five GCSEs felt most strongly that their Figure 5
lack of qualifications has led to them missing out on jobs
with 69% admitting this had happened to them. This is 80 53% 53% 69% 55% 59% 56% 64% 54%
followed by those who had between one and five GCSEs
where 62% feel they had missed out on jobs because of 70
their qualifications.
60
Amongst the unemployed nearly a third (30%) claim the
feedback they received from interviewers was that they 50
missed out on jobs because others were better qualified.
This is highest amongst unemployed former senior 40
management at 37%.
30
Skills the employed feel they need to improve their
job prospects 20

Figure 4 10

25% 22% 21% 16% 14% 14% 14% 0
25
Degree level entry role (e.g. doctor)
20 Manager & senior administrator (e.g company director,
finance manager)
15 Clerical
Sales & services
10 Foreman & staff supervisors
Qualified manual work (e.g. plumber)
5 Manual work (e.g driver, cleaner)
Other
0 CV writing
Customer service skills
I nterview techniques Team leading
Administration
Computer software skills
B usiness management

Professor Cary Cooper comments:

“As a psychologist, I have spent much of my time researching what keeps people motivated. Key drivers I have
identified include receiving positive feedback from senior colleagues or from people involved in your job search,
opportunities to gain further qualifications and the knowledge that you are 100% capable of doing the job you
want. In addition working in a job you enjoy and know you can do to the best of your ability is a real motivator.

“Searching for jobs can be one of the most challenging things an adult can face, with regular confidence
knocks, missed opportunities and tricky interviews all playing their part. With the current economic and working
environment it is even more vital that people feel ‘work confident’ enough in their own skills and ability to face
the job search head on.

“As we have seen throughout this study, self-confidence and self-belief are vital not only to the job search but also
in impacting how people feel, how they interact with people and how they view themselves. Taking courses such
as these will really help give you the self-belief that you can do the job you want.”

14 The ‘Work Confident Report’

Top tip from Professor Cooper if you
are unemployed:

“If you unexpectedly find yourself looking for work, try to think of it
as a great opportunity to learn something new – perhaps now is the
time to re-train and learn some new skills to get the career you’ve
always wanted”

Top tip from Laura Walsh, MD of Advanced
Cleaning UK and a supporter of the Make It
Count campaign:

“Try not to think about what you can’t do and think about what
you can do! Harness the skills you have and build on these through
courses and qualifications that will take the skills you have and
improve on them!”

Top tip from Professor Cooper if you are
employed and looking for a new job:

“Take a look online at our tips on how to get your CV up to scratch.
The process of pulling together a list of your experience and what
you have achieved can be a great way of getting yourself ready for
the job search.”

learndirect success story –
How Dawn improved her qualifications, and got Work Confident!

After 12 years of being unemployed, caring for her “Without the help, support and confidence boost I have
sick father and bringing up her son, Dawn Stoddard received from learndirect, I believe I would still be out
struggled to get back into work. Dawn applied for of work. Thanks to them I have, at last, been given the
a range of jobs over several months with no success opportunity to put my new skills into practice in my job
and realised her lack of qualifications was holding as a community support worker for high-end mental
her back. When her local Jobcentre Plus suggested health sufferers. I have also been promoted and now
going to learndirect would help open up more job work as an assessor!
opportunities she went to her local centre to see
what was available. “From nervously walking through the doors, the
experience with learndirect has been fantastic.
“I went to learndirect as I was computer illiterate, Learning with learndirect has given me
which I felt was holding me back from getting a job. the chance to prove myself. It’s given
When I walked into the centre I immediately felt at me real self-confidence and a future
ease. There was a great atmosphere and the tutors filled with hope. It’s really changed
were very understanding of the other commitments my life and I’m even encouraging
I had outside of learning. my clients to get involved too – I’d
advise anyone to walk through
those doors and get started!”

The ‘Work Confident Report’  15

The barriers to learning and breaking them down

74% of the unemployed admit they’ve never been offered Across different industries, those working in the
training on their job search to help improve their skills pharmaceutical industry are offered the most amount
whilst more than a third (37%) of people in employment of training with 47% stating their companies offered
state they don’t feel supported by their employer when it training and covered the cost whereas for those in travel
comes to training. and transportation are at the other end of the scale with
only 15% stating they receiving training through work.
Businesses up and down the country are feeling the effect
of weaknesses in school leavers’ self-management skills. Furthermore, more than one in ten people (13%) said
More than two thirds report believe school leavers have their employer is only supportive if training is done outside
inadequate business and customer awareness5. of office hours. Whilst 73% of private sector businesses
state they need to update the skills of their staff, in reality,
Unfortunately there is a disparity between the training public sector workers are actually the workers most likely
people want to have and the training people are actually to receive training through their workplace, with 31%
getting. More than two thirds of employers (70%) want stating that their employers offered and covered the
to see the development of skills for employees5 made cost of training.
a top priority yet our research shows more than a third
(35%) of those in work stated their employers don’t offer For companies, the fact staff do not feel supported in
training. 39% of employees commented they don’t feel training should be a real concern as supporting staff
very supported by their employers. through courses and training programmes is key to having
an efficient and productive business, learndirect works with
What’s more, there are variances about what training companies across the UK to create training programmes
is offered across different jobs: for example, 55% of those that suit both employers and employees offering flexibility
in skilled work are offered training by their employers and and support.
that compares to 66% of those in degree-level entry jobs
saying they are given the opportunity to train at work (Fig 6). For those out of work the perceived cost of training is
putting off more than half (55%) from taking courses to
Proportion of employers offering training, improve their skills. Cost was the main reason 18 – 24 year
by job level olds were put off gaining more qualifications with 49%
stating this was the main barrier.

Figure 6 66% 64% 68% 62% 52% 55% 49% learndirect success story -
Adam Naylor
80
“The learndirect tutors were
70 absolutely brilliant and supported
me throughout each qualification
60 I went for. I didn’t have a clue
at the beginning but have come
50 so far in such a short space of
time. The other thing was that the
40 qualifications were free so I didn’t
have to pay anything, which was
30 great as I had no income
coming in at the time and
20 wouldn’t have been able
to do them otherwise.”
10

0

Professional & degree Sales & services
level entry Foreman & supervisors
Manager or senior Skilled manual workers
administrator S emi skilled or unskilled
Clerical workers

16 The ‘Work Confident Report’

Professor Cary Cooper comments:

“Whilst people are aware qualifications and skills are vital in making them
more employable, there are barriers which need to be broken down first.
Interestingly, cost is a big barrier across the board despite training providers
like learndirect offering free or low cost options.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is that employers offer support,
advice and assistance so that their workforce gets the skills they need to
make themselves ‘work confident’ and the business more successful. A more
skilled workforce is a happier workforce. I’d urge employers to review their
training programmes and ensure they’re geared towards supporting and
upskilling their employees to get the best return on investment.
“It is vital that businesses take responsibility for their staff and work with
organisations such as learndirect or with their internal HR department to
create a training system that is effective and supportive.”

The ‘Work Confident Report’  17

learndirect success story –
How businesses are inspiring and helping employees with learning

Spectrum Plastics, based in Stockport, is a print finishing company, producing posters, catalogues and plastic

cards such as library and loyalty cards. After the loss of a major client, Kath Doran, Managing Director, realised that
something had to be done to turn the business around, and she turned to learndirect to provide further training

for her staff.

Kath said: “We had held a contract with a large retailer procedures across the company which have helped
for 19 years but unfortunately due to large budget cuts, to increase efficiency.
we lost them as a client. This contract had provided half
of the company’s turnover so at this point, we had to go “After completing a customer services qualification
back to basics and look to what we could do to get us with learndirect, another member of the sales team
back on the right track. has enjoyed much improved sales figures which are
constantly increasing.
“We realised that what we needed to do was build
from within. We decided to retrain staff in the other “The main benefit of learndirect training
departments to be able to multitask and take on has been the awareness it has given
more responsibility. It was at this point that we first the individual of their importance
approached learndirect, because they were offering to the company. I’ve been very
the training we so desperately needed. pleased with the effect that
learndirect has had both on
“Employees from across the company completed the our efficiency as a company
learndirect IT courses. One employee who worked in and staff morale, and I plan to
production wanted to receive a nationally recognised put more employees on training
qualification. He has since implemented new IT courses, including myself.”

18 The ‘Work Confident Report’

Top tip from Professor Cooper to help break down the barriers if you are
looking for work:

“Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, there is nothing wrong with admitting you are not sure what the best way
forward is for you! There are people out there who can help you.”

Top tips from John Salt, totaljobs.com’s Website Director, on what you can
do to help progress our current career:

“If you are unsatisfied in your current role, the first point of call is to ask for an appraisal. Whether your company
has an appraisal system or not if it’s been more than 12 months since you have received any feedback on your
performance, you should ask for a formal review.”
“Developing your skills through formal study will not only enhance your confidence and capabilities, it will further
demonstrate your commitment. learndirect offers online courses that mean you can learn at your own pace
at home.”

Top tips from Professor Cooper on what you can do as an employer to help
employees get the training they need:

“Consider your training delivery methods and match this to your business. Online learning is more flexible and cost
effective, allowing for training to be planned around individual staff workloads.”
“Make the most of tailored training, before embarking on any training programme think about what will best meet
the needs of your employees and business.”
“Communication is key: talk to your employees about training opportunities available and ask them what they
think of them and what they would like to see on offer.”

The ‘Work Confident Report’  19

Job seeking challenges across the UK

74% of people in the 14% of people from People in the North
North West admit the North of England of the England
they feel they don’t have gone for more are more likely to
have the required than 50 jobs they struggle to keep
skills to get ahead would prefer not motivated during
at work. to do. the job hunt at 71%

31% of East 78% of Midlanders 54% of those in
Midlanders say admit they wished the Midlands are
they’ve been passed they had more skills likely to suffer
over for a job or qualifications to a confidence crisis
with their current offer prospective after a long period
employer as they employers of unemployment
lack the required
qualifications The Welsh are the It’s miserable
and skills  least confident Monday for Welsh
about their skills – workers where 29%
66% of people in the nearly a third (32%) admit this is the
West Midlands are say they aren’t very day they feel most
trapped by the job confident about frustrated in their
hunt cycle their job prospects current job

54% of people in 49% of the
the South West feel unemployed in the
trapped in their role South West have
due to a lack of skills lost confidence in
and qualifications their ability in the
last year

20 The ‘Work Confident Report’

64% in North East Key:
are going for a lower
paid positon Unemployed
Employed
72% in Yorkshire and 32% of those from
Humber feel trapped Yorkshire and the 17% of North
by the endless job Humber region say Easterners feel
hunt cycle interviews are trapped in their
a real challenge job ‘all the time’
– they don’t feel
good enough

Those in the Nearly a third (31%) 68% of East
East of England of the unemployed Englanders say
are the most in the East of they have started
pessimistic about England feel like looking for jobs that
job opportunities they’re not good pay less or need
coming up, with enough in job less qualifications,
only 23% of people interviews the highest across
thinking this was the UK
going to happen
for them

Londoners are 35% of Londoners More than a fifth
most likely to feel admit feeling (21%) of Londoners
frustrated by their trapped in their feel less confident
job hunt with 73% job results in them now than a year
saying they feel feeling resentful to ago about their
this way their employers job prospects

28% of people from 69% of people in
the South feel that the South East have
extra skills would lost confidence in
help them feel their abilities in the
more confident last year
in interviews

The ‘Work Confident Report’  21

Conclusion

The Work Confident report was commissioned by
learndirect to understand how the UK’s working age
population is feeling during what is one of the most
challenging job markets faced by a generation.

The crisis of confidence revealed by the report is directly What is the Make It Count
impacting the emotional wellbeing of the nation, affecting Campaign?
job opportunities, social lives and relationships. This
confidence crisis is spurred on by job seekers overwhelming • Led by learndirect and supported by a
feeling they are under-qualified for the jobs available. number of partners including the National
Apprenticeship Service, totaljobs and
From feeling hopeless about facing an endless cycle of Centrepoint, Make It Count aims to help more
unsuccessful job interviews, to feeling trapped in a job with than 200,000 people sign up to learning in the
no room for progression, there is a real sense of being ‘stuck next 12 months
in a rut’. Issues and barriers such as these are faced every
day by the unemployed and those in work, creating a nation • Be part of Make It Count by signing up to
which is under-confident due to a lack of the right skills and learning today at www.learndirect.co.uk
qualifications to improve prospects.
• You’ll also find out more at www.facebook.com/
At a time when unemployment figures are around 2.5 learndirect and put your digital skills to good
million this is a major concern and one that needs to use by using #MakeItCount on Twitter
be addressed.
Refrences:
However, the Work Confident report shows that despite
this crisis, there is also much to feel positive about. We’ve 1)   Office of National Statistics Labour Market figures 17 August 2011
seen in this report how people across all walks of life have
learnt new skills and achieved qualifications to help them 2)  Department for Education NEET Figures, Quarterly Brief, 24
get back into work or progress their career. Some have gone August 2011
on to run their own business, some have got their dreamed-
for job whilst others have benefited immeasurably from 3)  Learner Satisfaction Survey, 2011
the general contentment and well-being job satisfaction
brings. Our research shows despite feeling stuck in a rut, job 4)  T he Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Quarterly
seekers are ready to improve their prospects and recognise Labour Market Review, August 2011
having the right skills and qualifications is key to having a
fulfilling and successful working life. 5)  B uilding for growth: business priorities for education and skills,
CBI, 2011
learndirect’s Make it Count campaign aims to harness
this desire and help inspire people to improve their job
prospects. With the job market being as tough as it is,
learndirect and the Make it Count campaign’s supporting
partners want to help arm the public with the skills,
qualifications and self-belief needed to get ahead. By the
end of the year the Make it Count campaign aims to have
signed up more than 200,000 people to learning, inspiring
and supporting people as they begin their journey to learn
new skills and develop their qualifications to become
work confident.

22 The ‘Work Confident Report’

The ‘Work Confident Report’  23

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Tel: 0114 291 5000  Fax: 0114 291 5001

www.ufi.com www.learndirect.co.uk

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