| answer text |
<p>The government recognises that digital skills are important for adults of all ages,
and the department is committed to improving their level of digital skills to support
active participation in society.</p><p> </p><p>From August 2020, the department introduced
a digital entitlement for adults with no or low digital skills to undertake specified
digital qualifications free of charge. The new entitlement mirrors the existing legal
entitlements for English and mathematics. This puts essential digital skills on an
equal footing in the adult education system, as the third essential skill adults need
for work, life and further learning.</p><p><br> The department introduced new Essential
Digital Skills qualifications (EDSQs) at entry level and level 1 from August 2020,
funded under the digital entitlement. EDSQs are based on the national standards for
essential digital skills and are designed to meet the diverse needs of adults with
no or low digital skills, reflecting different learning needs, motivations and starting
points.</p><p> </p><p>To further enhance the essential digital skills offer for adults,
from August 2023, the department introduced new digital Functional Skills qualifications
(FSQs), which have replaced FSQs in Information and Communication Technology. Digital
FSQs have standardised content and assessment, providing a benchmark of digital skills
for employers. These are based on subject content for digital FSQs the department
published in October 2021.</p><p> </p><p>The government recognises that formal qualifications
are not necessary for everyone. That is why the department also fund community learning
and other non-regulated learning, such as building confidence in essential digital
skills, through the Adult Education Budget. Many local authorities and other further
education providers are already delivering these courses that help equip adults with
the essential digital skills they need for work, life and further learning.</p><p>
</p><p>Of course, older people may also be looking to progress beyond essential digital
skills, potentially through a desire to retrain or upskill. Through the department’s
wider skills reforms, the department is continuing to ensure learners, whatever their
age, can train, retrain and upskill towards better jobs, better wellbeing and better
options for the future.</p><p> </p><p>More information about essential digital skills
and other government funded training opportunities can be found here: <a href="https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/skills-for-life"
target="_blank">https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/skills-for-life</a>.</p><p>
</p><p> </p>
|
|
