Technology, shifting global value chains, environmental imperatives and demographic change are changing the location and skill requirements of existing jobs, creating new ones and making others obsolete. Within and across countries, regions and cities with the right skills are better positioned to meet these needs and create high-quality jobs. Providing adults with continuous education and skills development to keep pace with these changes and adapt to new career paths is critical, and it is no surprise that lifelong learning is high on the agenda in cities and regions across the OECD.
Glasgow City Region is no exception. The region has developed rapidly over the last twenty years following deindustrialisation. Home to around a third of the Scottish population and economic output, it hosts a range of world-class education institutions and a major financial and business services hub. It is making significant strategic investments through the Glasgow City Region City Deal to improve infrastructure, create jobs and stimulate green and inclusive growth to become a carbon-neutral economy by 2030. Yet, despite its economic growth in recent years and relatively low unemployment rate, the Glasgow City Region struggles with relatively high rates of poverty, economic inactivity and the share of citizens with low skill levels, which dates back to the decline of traditional industries.
Skills and employment policies are fundamental to overcoming these challenges. By promoting continuous education and training for those in work and strengthening basic and work-relevant skills for those out of work, the region can develop a more skilled and adaptable workforce, reduce skills gaps, increase employability, and reduce social inequalities. Through strong connections with education institutions, businesses, and third-sector organisations, the Glasgow City Region is well-placed to implement policies and develop infrastructure that will future-proof its system for lifelong learning.
This OECD report supports the Glasgow City Region in future-proofing its skills and employability policies. Building on an in-depth analysis of the region and drawing on insights from other OECD countries and regions, it offers recommendations on how to i) strengthen re- and upskilling opportunities for individuals in work and align skills supply with demand, ii) enhance labour market inclusion of the economically inactive and iii) strengthen youth school-to-work transitions. The report has been developed in cooperation with the Glasgow City Region and its eight local authorities and with the support of JPMorgan Chase.
The report is part of an ongoing cooperation between the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Cities and Regions and its Local Employment and Economic Development Programme with JPMorgan Chase on future-proofing skills systems in cities and regions. Together, the two organisations have developed an ambitious programme to support city-level policymakers and practitioners in the design, management and implementation of adult learning policies and programmes. For more details visit: OECD: Future-proofing Adult Learning in Cities.
Susan Aitken,
Council Leader,
Glasgow City
Lamia Kamal-Chaoui,
Director,
OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities
Mark Napier,
Glasgow Technology Centre Lead & Head of International Private Back Technology,
JPMorgan Chase