The government has launched a consultation on the content for the new digital functional skills qualifications.

The new qualifications, which will be available from 2021, will aim to support progression into employment or further education and develop skills for everyday life among adults. They are based on new national standards for essential digital skills.

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New entitlements

Skills minister Anne Milton announced last month that adults with no or few digital skills would be given access to a new suite of free courses.

Today, the proposed subject content for the new functional skills qualifications has been published, and employers, post-16 providers, awarding organisations and students are asked to have their say in the eight-week consultation.

According to the government, one in five adults have no or low basic digital skills - which could include skills like being able to use a tablet or send emails.

Ms Milton said the government wanted everyone to have the digital skills they need. “This consultation builds on the new ‘essential digital skills’ qualifications which will give adults the chance to develop a whole host of new skills that they can use in their everyday lives and to get on in work.

I encourage everyone to have their say. We want to make sure the content of these important qualifications meets the needs of employers and gives people the knowledge and skills they need.”