Effective education for employment is one which allows learners to gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to ensure their success in the workplace so that both they and their organisations grow.

In 2007, Edexcel, a Pearson company, commissioned significant research aimed at revealing the challenges faced by governments, employers, employees and job seekers across a multitude of industries worldwide in the area of effective education for employment.

For over one year, in the first study of its kind, we interacted with more than 2000 participants in 25 countries through interviews, workshops and surveys.

The results were overwhelming, with all interviewees sharing common issues regarding the prevalence of skills gaps which need to be bridged. You may click here to learn more about the research and download your free report.

Below are key research findings and information about our exclusive BTEC qualifications which are continuously updated in order to ensure that they remain relevant to the industries for which they were created and provide learners with effective education for employment.

Key Research Findings

• 40% of all employees polled believed their academic and professional qualifications failed to prepare them for work.
• Of all employers polled, only 50% provided learning and development certification that demonstrated levels of competence.
• 40% of all learners polled are dissatisfied with the learning and development they receive from their employer.
• Only 30% of all learners polled expect to develop soft skills during their studies: the expectation is that these will be developed when in work.
• 45% of all employees polled are receiving limited or very little training from their employer
• Nearly 50% of all employers polled describe staff turnover as high.
• Around 80% of all employees polled think it’s important to be able to show evidence of learning (i.e. a certificate).
• Individual attitude and in-work behaviours were consistently mentioned as a key factor in the success of new recruits.
• Key skills gaps exist in the areas of leadership, teamwork, innovation and creativity.
• Methods of recruitment are seen to be ineffective when it comes to understanding and quantifying soft skills.
• A training culture is beginning to take hold in developing economies that will see the market expanding significantly in the next ten years.
• Company culture is key to the successful development of employee soft skills.

BTEC qualifications

• Current Qualifications
• Upcoming Qualifications 

While our current qualifications are always being updated following feedback from our global partners and learners, our upcoming qualifications are based on the results of our Effective Education for Employment research. As such, both existing and new qualifications are the most modern, industry-relevant qualifications available. Moreover, all our qualifications are benchmarked to international industry stan.