New research reveals a stark contrast in views on vital future skills between students and decision-makers at UK British Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Students aged between eight and 18-years-old were asked by the charity by ACS International Schools, what skill they feel is the most important for the job they have in the future.
From a list of skills including confidence, being a hard worker, natural talent, intelligence, communication, leadership, teamwork and good technology skills, just one in 20 (5.5 per cent) chose communication – compared to 88 per cent decision makers of SMEs in a separate report conducted collaboratively by ACS International Schools and the IB Schools and Colleges Association (IBSCA).
The most popular skills selected by students include being a hard worker (25.2 per cent) and confidence (24.1 per cent) respectively.
Robert Harrison, Director of Education and Integrated Technology at ACS International Schools, said: “We are facing a critical skills gap. The next generation is preparing for the future with a playbook from the past. In an era of rapid change, students must not only develop essential skills but also align with the evolving needs of the businesses that will employ them once they leave education.
“If we fail to bridge this gap, we risk leaving an entire generation underprepared for the workforce of tomorrow.”
In the survey, students also shared their views on what jobs they would most like to have when they are older.
Female students who selected STEM careers showed they especially value hard work, with more than one in 10 (11.9 per cent) selecting the skill as the most important compared to just 8.7 per cent of female students who chose all other job options combined.
Participants’ age also affected the survey findings, with more than one in 10 students aged 11 to 18 selecting technology and leadership skills as the most important. At ages eight to 10, the same skills were selected by just 2.6 per cent of students.
Robert added: “The world of work is evolving faster than ever, yet education risks falling behind. Our research underscores the urgent need for schools to adapt, ensuring that students graduate with not just academic credentials but the skills that truly matter. In today’s global and interconnected economy, adaptability, communication, and leadership aren’t ‘nice-to-haves’ — they’re non-negotiables for success.”
