LifeSkills
We believe that everyone deserves the financial independence, security and opportunity that comes with a job. A vibrant, skilled workforce ensures that local communities and businesses can thrive.
Supporting young people with the employability skills businesses need for growth
To achieve the UK’s growth ambitions, businesses need access to skilled, work-ready talent. Many of the one million UK businesses we support say the skills gap is holding them back—especially when hiring young people.
For over a decade, LifeSkills has helped young people build the skills employers need. Our insights show that systemic change in education and skills policy is essential. Collaboration between government, business, and education is key to rethinking how these skills are taught and recognised in schools.
Unlocking skills and employment opportunities
Launched in 2013, Barclays LifeSkills is proud of the impact it has had in helping people to build the core transferable skills, confidence, knowledge and connections, they need to succeed at work, thrive in the digital age and better manage their money.
LifeSkills is designed for all ages, from children and young people aged five and above, through to adults and families. The programme has supported millions of participants and placed thousands into work through collaboration with the education sector, respected charities, and the business community.
It has also supported some of the UK’s most underserved and underrepresented communities to tackle barriers they face getting into, progressing and staying in work.
Working in partnership
LifeSkills is built on the foundations of partnership and collaboration – with respected charities, the education sector, the business community and Barclays colleagues, who give their time, skills and expertise to volunteer to help others.
Partnering with leading educators and UK charities – like Family Action, Street League and The Talent Foundry – Barclays is working to support families, young people and young adults to thrive, now and in future.
Family Action
In partnership with Family Action, we are helping people to unlock their potential by gaining the skills and confidence to enhance their employability, enabling families to thrive.
Street League
In partnership with Street League, sport is being used to engage young people to help them overcome the barriers they face to get into work, through 1:1 coaching and employability sessions.
The Talent Foundry
Working with The Talent Foundry, young people in schools in underserved communities will receive LifeSkills support at least four times to give them vital confidence, skills and knowledge.
Barclays is proud to deliver LifeSkills in the UK in partnership with:
Breaking Barriers
Business in the Community
Catch 22
Family Action
SEO London
Street League
Springboard
Smallwood Trust
Teach First
The Jersey Employment Trust
The King’s Trust
The Talent Foundry
Trussell
About the programme
Developing the skills and confidence to succeed
LifeSkills provides free lesson plans, modules and interactive tools for educators to use directly with young people in education and adult learners. It also supports independent learners and families by offering access to online tools and resources. Explore the LifeSkills website.
Overcoming barriers into work
LifeSkills is also delivered with charity partners to support underserved communities in breaking down barriers to get into work, to thrive in the digital age and to better manage their money. The programme is helping people to develop the skills, connections and opportunities that can help set them on a new trajectory.
LifeSkills in action
See how LifeSkills is unlocking skills and employment opportunities.
Inspiring young people
Helping educators support young people to develop their skills and choose their career.
Connecting employers with talent
Supporting people around the world who face barriers getting into work by providing tailored skills training and connecting them to businesses that are recruiting.