Phil Smith on the Skills England Annual Report and Skills Compass | FE News

Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, sits with Gavin from FE News to discuss the organization’s Annual Report and the Skills Compass trial, surveying data-driven approaches to skills systems, local delivery, and industry priorities. The discussion highlights the UK Standard Skills Classification, portable skills, and the push for a Local Skills Dashboard to guide decisions on gaps and needs. It notes eight industrial strategy priority areas—plus health, care, and construction—projected to add about 1.8 million jobs by 2035 (roughly 24% over ten years). The conversation also covers AI implications, SME training, and stakeholder collaboration with FutureDotNow and HM Treasury’s AI Economic Institute.