Survey of adult skills highlights need to improve education and training

EU News 426/2013

IP/13/922
Brussels, 8 October 2013

One in five adults in Europe have low literacy and numeracy skills, and even a university degree in the same subject is no guarantee of the same level of skills in different countries, according to the first comprehensive international Survey of Adult Skills published today by the OECD and European Commission. The survey assesses the literacy, numeracy and problem-solving ICT skills of adults aged 16-65 in 17 EU Member States - Belgium (Flanders), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Cyprus, The Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden and the UK (England/Northern Ireland), as well as in Australia, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, Norway and the United States. The findings underline the need to target investment at improving education and training to increase skills and employability in European countries.

Source: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-922_en.htm?locale=en

Androulla Vassiliou Date: 08/10/2013 Reference: P-024107/00-03 Location: Brussels - EC/Berlaymont (C)EU, 2013 URL

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