Building Skills for All in Australia
Policy Insights from the Survey of Adult Skills
Australia’s overall performance in the Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) ranges from
average to very good. However, three million adults, representing one-fifth of the
working age population, have low literacy and/or numeracy skills. Building Skills
for All in Australia describes the characteristics of the low-skilled and discusses
the consequences that low skills have on economic and social development for both
individuals and Australian society. The review examines the strengths of the Australian
skills system, highlighting the strong basic skills found in the migrant population,
widespread proficiency in use of ICT and the positive role of workplaces in skills
development. The study explores, moreover, the challenges facing the skills system
and what can be done to enhance basic skills through education, training or other
workplace measures. One of a series of studies on low basic skills, the review presents
new analyses of PIAAC data and concludes with a series of policy recommendations.
These include: increasing participation of women in STEM fields, addressing underperformance
of post-secondary VET students and preventing drop-out, improving pre-apprenticeships,
enhancing mathematics provision within secondary education and tackling poor access
to childcare facilities for young mothers.
Published on September 29, 2017
In series:OECD Skills Studiesview more titles