Section 2: The Why - choosing your narrative

Driving Social Mobility We prioritise essential skills because they are a proven driver of social mobility. High levels of essential skills are a key determinant of successful socio-economic progression for the 13% of UK population who achieve true social mobility

Research consistently shows that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds have fewer opportunities to develop these skills compared to their more affluent peers, creating a ‘skills gap’ that persists into adulthood. By explicitly delivering essential skills such as Teamwork and Adapting, we level the playing field.

This approach ensures that beneficiaries, regardless of their starting point, can articulate their strengths and navigate high-stakes transitions. This is not just about immediate capability; it is about dismantling barriers to opportunity and ensuring that background does not determine destiny.

Enhancing Employability and Economic Potential In a rapidly changing labour market, employers consistently report that essential skills are as vital as technical qualification, with approximately 94% of employers, 97% of teachers, and 88% of young people see essential skills as being at least as important as academic grades to a student’s future success

 Our programme addresses this demand directly. Evidence from the Skills Builder Partnership highlights a tangible ‘wage premium’ associated with higher levels of essential skills, alongside improved odds of securing and sustaining employment. In fact, people with high levels of essential skills are up to 52% less likely to be unemployed than those with low levels of essential skills. By rigorously developing competencies like Problem Solving and Leadership, we equip our beneficiaries with the toolkit required for the modern workplace. This intervention moves beyond CV writing to build the underlying capabilities that drive productivity, career progression, and long-term economic independence.

Fostering Wellbeing and Resilience Our focus extends beyond external achievements to the internal resilience of our beneficiaries. While individuals with high levels of essential skills earn on average £6,100 more per year, there is also strong evidence base linking higher levels of essential skills, particularly Adapting and Planning, with greater life satisfaction and self-efficacy. These skills act as protective factors, enabling individuals to manage stress, adapt to change, and advocate for themselves effectively. By embedding the Universal Framework into our support, we empower individuals to build the confidence needed to overcome personal setbacks. This holistic approach ensures that we are supporting the whole person, fostering the mental agility required to lead a fulfilling life. 

A Holistic Impact on Life Outcomes Our project recognises that true empowerment requires a holistic approach. We utilise the Universal Framework because essential skills are the connecting thread between three critical life outcomes:

• Social Mobility: We focus on the skills that are a key determinant of success for the 13% of the UK population who achieve true social mobility. By closing the "skills gap" early, we ensure that background does not determine destiny.

• Employability: We respond to the 94% of employers who value essential skills as much as grades. Our approach builds the capabilities that reduce the likelihood of unemployment by up to 52% and generate an average wage premium of £6,100 per year.

• Wellbeing: Our impact extends beyond financial gain. We build the self-belief and resilience necessary for high life satisfaction, equipping beneficiaries with the "protective factors" needed to manage stress and overcome personal setbacks.

By addressing these areas simultaneously, we generate a multiplier effect, where improvements in communication or self-management unlock potential across every aspect of a beneficiary’s life.