Last updated 16th September 2005
by Helen Nichols
Version 2 website
Launch 22nd October 2001

What are key skills? -
History of Key Skills Qualification

• Key Skills have been an essential part of vocational education since their introduction in the 1980s.
  
  
• 1996 Dearing Review of qualifications recommended the creation of
  key skills qualification.
  
  
• Government policy to encourage key skills developments in learners.
  
  
• Key Skills can be gained as a qualification from age 13/14 upwards.
  
  
• Can now be certificated as single units or as a key skills qualification.