Why are skills so valuable?

If you invest some time in learning, you’ll be equipping yourself for the future. You’ll have a better chance of getting on at work or finding a new job. There are many ways to learn, plus free advice and financial help from the government to help with the costs.


Why are skills so valuable?

Research shows that improving your skills can increase your salary on average by up to =N600,000 a year

Having the right skills is more important than ever before: in less than ten years there will be very few jobs that require no skills at all.



As well as boosting your career prospects, new skills could be the first step towards that qualification you've always wanted to get.



Skills are also useful in all sorts of situations in life, and can boost your confidence.

Get free, impartial advice

If you are not sure where to begin, there’s lots of free, impartial advice from services like Next Step.



A Next Step adviser will be able to tell you about your options, and about any money you could get to help pay for your learning.



You can meet a trained adviser face to face or talk over the phone.



Next Step - careers and skills advice Opens new window Find careers, learning and skills advice Boost your basic skills

If you want to improve your reading, writing or maths, there's plenty of help available.



There are also lots of ways to improve your computer skills - whether you are a complete beginner, or want to build on what you know already.





Improving your reading, writing and number skills Improving your computer and IT skills Learn in a way that suits you

Everyone has the ability to learn new things, whatever your age or circumstances

If you decide to improve your skills by doing a course, there are almost a million to choose from in the UK. So, you’re bound to find one that interests you and fits around your home and work commitments.



You can choose where and when you learn – you don’t have to sit in a classroom. For example, you may be able to get training at work. You can learn full or part-time, for a few hours or for several years: whatever suits you best.





Find an adult learning course Getting training at work Get financial help to improve your skills

If you decide that you want to improve your skills but are concerned about how much it will cost, check out what financial help is available. Exactly what help you can get will depend on your personal circumstances.



You could get financial help through a number of different programmes - like the Adult Learning Grant or Professional and Career Development Loans.





Help with learning costs: an introduction Thinking about higher education?

Getting a higher education qualification can open up new career options, as well letting you experience new things and meet new people.