ReportCompetence Framework_DEF_19.06.2018

The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. [Project Number: 2017-1-SK01-KA204-035385] Results from the participation of Cyprus in the International Survey PIAAC (Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies) of OECD, which was carried out during 2008-2013 and involved 24 countries, recorded the basic cognitive, language, and problem solving skills of the adult population aged 16- 65 years old. Results from the PIAAC Survey of Adult Skills has shown that a number of adults in OECD countries demonstrate only limited literacy and numeracy skills, and thus governments recognised the urgence to support low- skilled adults (Windisch, 2015). From the analysis of results, Cyprus presented lower indicators in comparison with the international and European average in language, mathematical and technological literacy and specifically it was revealed that a percentage of 20% of Cyprios does not have experience or basic digital skills (1 out of 4) (EBSN, nd). Specifically, regarding reading skills Cypriots aged 16-65 years old, appeared to have the skills to read and understand words, sentences and simple texts. In terms of technological skills, the PIAAC survey showed that almost one out of four Cypriots lacked the experience or basic computer skills. This percentage is higher than the corresponding international and European rate, which reaches 14% and 15%, respectively. The majority of the adult population of Cyprus who has no experience or basic computer skills is low-educated and people in the 55-65 age group (Frederick University, 2015). Furthermore, results revealed that the number of low skilled adults in Cyprus (11% for literacy and 15% for numeracy) is below the average of the respective number of low skilled adults in Europe (20% for literacy and 24% for numeracy). It is also shown that low-skilled people in Cyprus are not that likely to participate in Work-training programs in comparison with high skilled adults (less times less likely) (DG EPCD, MOEC MLWSI, HRDA, & CPC, 2014). According to statistics (Enoros Consulting, 2015), 21.5% of adults aged 25-64 in Cyprus, while 25% in the EU, have attended only the lower secondary education. Additionally, the percentage of Cypriots who have just completed basic education (under ISCED 2) is 11.2%, while the European average is at 6.5%. Regarding the PIAC indicators, Cyprus appears to have different results comparing to the international and European level in language, mathematical and technological literacy. Specifically, adults aged 35 to 54 years old appear to have higher skills level than youngsters aged 16 to 24 years old. However, research suggests that young people aged 16 to 29 years old with upper secondary qualifications is not significantly better than of those with a lower secondary qualification, while recent graduates (up tp 29 years old) of higher education appear to have a lower skills level on language and mathematics in comparison with top-level graduates from the best-performing EU countries. Low-skilled people in Cyprus are not that likely (three times less) to engage in training programmes related to work than high- skilled people. Age group 16-65 years old % in Cyprus % in E.E. Low Literacy Skills 11,8% 20% Low Numeracy Skills 15,5% 24% Low Technology Skills 25% 15% Table 1: Skills of individuals 16-65 years old based on Survey on Adults Skills (PIAAC) study