We know that prior to the pandemic, employers were facing skills shortages and that nationwide we faced a mismatch between the skills workers held and the skills they needed to succeed in their jobs. The nature of work, and careers, are changing fast. Skills are the new currency in work and will be critical if we are to successfully revive post-Covid Britain.
As trade unionists we have an opportunity to ensure workers can not only identify their skills but can own them. At Community, we want to ensure workers and our members have access to the skills development they need to succeed and excel both in their work and home lives.
That’s why over the past few months we have been working with Workerbird, an innovative tech for good start up that aims to improve the working conditions for millions of workers across the UK. Working together, and in consultation with Community members from sectors across our union, we have developed our own ‘skills assessment’ for every Community member.
Using the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) database, we have identified and categorised skills, competences, qualifications and occupations relevant for our labour market, education and training. Members will be able to search for their current job role and be presented with the essential skills they use in their role. By deciding how confident members feel against each of the essential and optional skills for their roles, they will then be able assess themselves against each skill.
The skills assessment will then ask members about their literacy, numeracy and digital skills, and where there are gaps, we will signpost members to our brilliant learning team at Community who will be able to provide resources and further support on learning and training opportunities. Getting union members new skills has always been at the heart of trade unionism.
Once members have completed the skills assessment, members will be sent a record of their assessment, so they can access a passport of their current skills whenever they need them.
We want to empower our members to take ownership of their skills and be able to confidently recognise the skills they currently have in their work and beyond. If members need to upskill and retrain if necessary, we’re here to help our members transition in their careers and with change.
If you’re a Community member, no matter where you work or what you do, make sure you get involved and take part in our skills assessment to identify and take ownership of your skills.
Check your emails for the link to the assessment or get in touch with us: skillsgroup@community-tu.org for further details.
Your skills. Your future.
Click here to read a previous article by us on the skills mismatch between the skills workers held and the skills needed to succeed in their jobs.
Find out more about WorkerBird here.
© Community Trade Union 2024