A large survey was conducted in Wales to find out about the skills that employers are looking for.

	Skills employers need now
	The main skills that employers look for now are: • understanding customer needs • the ability to follow instructions • communication skills • team working • adaptability and flexibility • showing initiative. Literacy and numeracy are also seen as important by a most employers.

	Skills employers will need in the future
	In the future people will need to develop their skills to a higher level to do their jobs well. The skills that will be in greatest demand are likely to be: • IT skills • management skills • organising own learning and development • Welsh language • leadership skills.

	School and college leavers
	Almost four out of ten of the employers said they recruited school or college leavers. This is good news, but almost half of these said there was a gap between the skills they need and those that school/college leavers have. The skills most lacking in school leavers are: • communication skills • showing initiative • numeracy • literacy • understanding customer needs.

	Qualifications
	The survey asked people in Wales about their qualifications. Compared to the UK as a whole, a higher percentage of Welsh people have no qualifications. 14% of 16-24 year olds in Wales have no qualifications. This is very worrying, as having few or no qualifications makes it more difficult to find a job and to do well in your career.

	What are employers looking for when they recruit?
	Employers looking at the following when they recruit: • applicants with good skills – especially key skills • the application process - how well applicants completed their application form or CV and how well they interviewed • previous employment and work experience are also taken into account. At the interview stage, qualifications are less important, but employers do consider qualifications when deciding who to interview.

	Skills Gaps
	Sometimes it is difficult for employers to find people with the right skills to fill a job vacancy. In the survey 7% of Welsh employers reported this problem. So it should be easier for you to get a job if you develop the skills employers are looking for.

	Welsh Language
	The demand for Welsh language skills varies across Wales. Welsh is most in demand in caring, health, and social welfare careers and for professionals working in business, public services, teaching and research. Welsh speakers are more in demand in the public and voluntary sectors than in the private sector. Employers expect there to be growth in demand for Welsh language skills in the future.