iRead4Skills Project Releases New Insights on Reading Skills and Workforce Gaps
The iRead4Skills project has released a literature review on reading skills and the evolving requirements of the workforce. The report offers insights into how literacy impacts both individual development and professional success, providing useful information for educators, policymakers, and researchers.
The report covers extensive research on reading skill acquisition, emphasizing the lasting impact of early literacy interventions. Studies like Stanovich’s “Matthew Effects in Reading” demonstrate how initial differences in reading ability can shape long-term academic and cognitive outcomes, highlighting the importance of targeted literacy programs to address early disparities.
The review explores the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in improving literacy. Findings from studies between 2010 and 2020 suggest that digital tools can enhance reading and writing skills, especially when teachers are properly trained. The integration of ICT into education has shown promise in increasing student engagement and literacy proficiency.
The report also examines the skills gap between educational outcomes and workforce needs. In fields such as data science, gaps in both technical and business-related skills are becoming increasingly important. The review highlights the need for curricula that keep pace with the rapidly changing demands of industries.
The European Skills and Jobs Survey (ESJS) complements these findings, pointing to the growing importance of digital skills in the workforce. Many workers face challenges adapting to new technological demands, making it essential to align educational programs with labor market needs.
The report draws on data from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), which links cognitive skills—such as literacy and numeracy—to better job prospects and higher incomes. It also emphasizes the importance of socioemotional skills, alongside cognitive abilities, in contributing to success in the workplace.
Concluding, the report stresses the importance of teacher training in using ICT to improve literacy and better prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce. Aligning educational approaches with both cognitive and socioemotional skills will help close the skills gap and ensure more inclusive access to opportunities.
To access the full report, visit D2.3 Literature review & report
