Government urged to introduce ‘national skills wallet’ for students to track qualifications and achievements

Technology experts have voiced their support for the introduction of a ‘national skills wallet’, arguing that it would significantly enhance learning opportunities for both students and educators.

The Digital Badging Commission, who recommended the idea in a new report, said that the skills wallet would serve as a digital record of an individual’s credentials.

This would help young people to access and pursue higher education, vocational training, or employment more easily, according to the report.

Those behind the plan criticised the UK’s current system for recognising skills, calling it “fragmented and outdated”. As a result, they say millions of young people are missing out on educational and professional opportunities because their skills remain “invisible and under-used”.

Experts warn that the absence of a ‘national infrastructure’ to make skills ‘visible, inclusive, trusted and portable’ is hindering productivity and preventing people from progressing into further education or the workforce

Increasing economic uncertainty has left many young people lacking the means to demonstrate their capabilities to potential employers. In tandem with this, those looking to hire struggle to access the potential of candidates, with the government lacking a clear database on the population’s skills levels.

Experts warn that the absence of a ‘national infrastructure’ to make skills “visible, inclusive, trusted and portable” is hindering productivity and preventing people from progressing into further education or the workforce.

Rebecca Garrod-Waters, Chief Executive of technology company Ufi VocTech Trust and Co-Chair of the Digital Badging Commission, claims that digital badges could be the key to resolving a flawed system.

A skills wallet would provide both proof of an individual’s skills, as well as give “employers the clarity to hire with confidence, and government the tools to target skills investment where it’s needed most.”

A similar scheme, the Warwick Award, is already in place at the University, allowing students to track their employability skills and work towards a Silver and Gold ‘Warwick Award’ status

Digital badges would also give formal recognition to learning that happens outside the classroom, including enrichment activities at colleges, apprenticeship placements, and higher education. This makes all skills “discoverable, usable, trusted, and verifiable.”

A similar scheme, the Warwick Award, is already in place at the University, allowing students to track their employability skills and work towards a Silver and Gold ‘Warwick Award’ status.

The Commission said that any digital wallet would ideally be linked to a user’s GOV.UK login, allowing individuals to store and share their badges and qualifications easily. Digital transcripts of formal education should also be issued alongside traditional paper records, the report suggests, to ensure compatibility.

If the ‘national skills wallet’ performs as anticipated, accelerated hiring nationally, it could yield between £1.6 billion and £5.3 billion per year in increased productivity and reduced HR costs.

The government is yet to respond to the proposals. However, in June, the Prime Minister launched a new £187 million skills scheme to give school pupils across the UK the opportunity to develop skills

Improved reskilling and employee retention could also generate a further £290 million in economic benefits annually to the UK.

However, this potentially transformational initiative remains dependent on government implementation.

The government is yet to respond to the proposals. However, in June, the Prime Minister launched a new £187 million skills scheme to give school pupils across the UK the opportunity to develop skills in technology and AI.