A new study by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) shows that a lack of time and money are the barriers standing in the way of learning new skills.

More than a third of adults claimed time constraints are stopping them learning while 29% feel their finances hold them back; however, 13% admit to feeling too old to learn a new skill.

The research study marks the launch (7 June 2008) of Skills Street which aims to highlight the ever-increasing importance and benefits of improving your skills by taking a typical street and measuring residents’ skills levels.

Television presenter Carol Smilie joined the expert panel, as they visited a number of homes on the street to assess the resident’s skills, as well as offering advice, and suggesting local training providers.

Caroline O’Neill, partnership director for the LSC, said: “Today’s findings show that we have more to do to help people recognise the benefits of skills and qualifications, and to break down the barriers preventing people from learning new skills.

“Two out of three jobs in the future will require a higher level of skills and better qualifications. Indeed, in less than ten years, there will be very few unskilled jobs. Skills Street aims to kick-start the process and encourage people to fulfil their potential.”