Scaleup programmes
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LifeSkills, created with Barclays
Talent and Skills
Impact for scaleups
18m+
young people have participated since 2013
90%
registrations of UK secondary schools
97%
of students reported an improvement in knowledge and skills
87%
of young people have improved their awareness of their own strengths and skills
153,000
educators registered from across the UK
Key sectors
LifeSkills, created with Barclays, is a free employability and financial education programme designed to develop skills and employment opportunities for all ages. It brings together educators, organisations, young people and families, as well as specialist charity partners who work in under-represented communities, developing the talent of future business leaders.
Barclays LifeSkills equips young people with the essential skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s job market. It provides interactive tools and resources covering financial literacy, job-seeking skills, and crucial transferable skills like problem-solving and creative thinking. The programme also includes virtual work experience opportunities, a CV builder, and online practice assessments, along with specialised support for young people leaving care as well as those with Special Educational Needs.
Since its launch in 2013, Barclays LifeSkills has supported the development of over 18 million young people, equipping them with essential skills to enter and thrive in the workforce. The programme’s reach is broad, with over 90% of UK secondary schools engaged and 153,000 educators registered nationwide. LifeSkills impact is regularly being evaluated, with 97% of participants reporting improved knowledge and skills. Key areas of development include understanding what makes a good CV (89%), recognising strengths and transferable skills (87%), and feeling more optimistic about future opportunities (87%). Participants also improved practical capabilities, such as problem-solving (85%), planning for the future (83%), and managing finances effectively (83%). 90% of young people applied their learning in meaningful ways, such as creating CVs, volunteering, or seeking employment.
In 2023, LifeSkills marked its tenth anniversary by refining its strategy to align with socio-economic inclusion priorities, particularly targeting underserved groups such as adults re-entering the workforce after caregiving responsibilities or health-related breaks. The programme’s responsiveness to evolving workplace needs is further evidenced by research into workplace communication trends, which highlighted how Generation Z is shaping a shift toward more informal, personable interactions in professional settings. LifeSkills’ continued focus on fostering confidence, adaptability, and transferable skills ensures it remains a valuable tool for developing the future talent pipeline—a priority closely aligned with the ScaleUp Institute’s commitment to building the UK’s capacity for scaleups and future scaleup leaders, while also ensuring the workforce has the skills necessary to drive innovation and economic growth.
