Decade of Global Skills Updating-OECD Report

Education at a Glance covers a number of global concepts in higher education. It was published in 2013 from OECD which seeks to create a better understanding of educational issues as well as disseminate information on the education industry of its members. Within the report one can find valuable information on global trends, changing demographics, incomes and much more. Some of the highlights are related to gender flattening, higher level of educational attainment, and potential returns on educational investments.

OECD participating countries found that women are becoming education than at any point in the past. Younger populations across both genders have increased in their educational attainment. This is an international phenomenon. Since 2011, 33% of women and 30% of men have obtained a level of higher education. It is expected that 83%of all OECD young people will eventually obtain some level of upper secondary education.

Upper secondary education means that students have either gone to college or some trade school. Higher education generally means college work. The world has become a much more technical place and people are adjusting by learning new skills and abilities. Men are still seeking skills in engineering, manufacturing and construction while females are looking for programs in business, law, social sciences, health and welfare. 

In the United States, Brazil and Greece people without an upper secondary education generally earn about 65% of those with. The skills and abilities needed over the past 10 years have changed dramatically. People need higher levels of understanding and abilities in order to compete in a more technologically connected world. Those without that higher level of education seem to be losing income and opportunities in many nations. 

The report also indicates that in general society earns a higher rate of return when it invests in higher education. The graduate earns more than the cost of education and society also earns greater than its investment. This return comes in the form of higher taxes, higher employ-ability, and as a result of the products/services production. The report argues that higher levels of skill development and education can be as much as 3 times in the United States. 

Education is becoming an important part of world education. As industrial technology makes its way around the globe and information is transferred through global business networks the need for higher levels of complex thinking is needed. Higher education fosters that greater complexity but costs a significant investment in time and money. The past decade has seen a global shift in worker demographics leaving many behind but also creating opportunities for others. 

The types of people who are likely to be successful are those who are lifelong learners who seek out knowledge and the practical application of that knowledge. This is why it is important for students to not only the understanding of concepts but how they actually apply to both their lives and the working world. Those who do not have the motivation or faculty to continue to learn will find themselves falling behind those who are pushing forward in search of greater opportunities. 

OECD Report-Education at a Glance 2013