Recent NHS research states that learning a new skill can help boost self-esteem, build a sense of purpose, and help connect you with others. With 2024 well and truly here, many are continuing to carry out new year’s resolutions or planning to learn new skills this year.
The Knowledge Academy have conducted a survey of 2,000 UK adults to find out which skills most people are planning to learn in 2024.
Key Findings:
- General work related skills such as project management/leadership ranks top, with more than a quarter (27%) of Brits looking to learn these skills in 2024.
- Almost a quarter (24%) of UK adults are looking to learn creative skills this year.
- One in three UK adults (32%) state they want to learn their chosen skill to help build their confidence, whilst almost two fifths are learning a skill to help them in everyday life.
The top skills Brits plan to learn in 2024
| Rank | Skill that respondents wish to learn | Percentage of
respondents (%) |
| 1 | General work related skills
(e.g. project management/leadership) |
27% |
| 2 | Improving business management skills | 26% |
| 3 | Enhancing business skills | 24% |
| 3 | Creative skills (e.g. photography/art) | 24% |
| 5 | Improving written skills/ spelling and
grammar |
23% |
| 5 | Improving computer literacy | 23% |
| 7 | Improving analytical skills | 22% |
| 8 | Skills for practical tasks/ hobbies (e.g. woodwork/
decorating/plumbing) |
21% |
| 9 | Learning to code | 20% |
| 10 | Picking up a new language | 19% |
*The full survey data is available to view here.
The results
Work related skills such as project management and leadership are the top skills UK adults want to learn in 2024, as more than a quarter (27%) of respondents opted for this.
Brits looking to improve their work related skills may gain more fulfilment in their roles, as research shows that learning can keep you feeling happy and purposeful at work.
Secondly, improving business management skills (26%), and enhancing business skills (24%) also rank among the top choices, with around a quarter of Brits choosing to focus on these skills this year.
With one in five Brits hoping to find a new job for 2024, these skills may be a focus for many looking to seek out a career change this year.
Picking up new creative skills such as photography and art also ranks among the top five skills, with almost a quarter (24%) of UK adults claiming they’re keen to do so in 2024.
Creative skills can contribute to reduced stress, and greater productivity, making these skills more appealing to many Brits this year.
The top reasons why UK adults want to learn new a new skill in 2024
| Rank | Reason for learning skills | Percentage of
respondents (%) |
| 1 | To improve my own knowledge and awareness | 50% |
| 2 | To help me in everyday life | 37% |
| 3 | To open further workplace opportunities | 36% |
| 4 | To help me make better/more informed decisions | 35% |
| 5 | To help build up my confidence | 32% |
| 6 | To help me get a job | 29% |
The top reason for Brits opting for their chosen skill in 2024 is to improve knowledge and awareness, with half of respondents (50%) sharing this as their reason.
Whilst almost two fifths (37%) of those surveyed admit they want to improve on their chosen skill in order to help them in everyday life.
Nearly a third of Brits also look to learn a new skill to boost their confidence (32%). Learning skills can promote positive thinking and boost self-esteem, so it is no wonder why nearly a third of UK adults want to take up new skills due to this.
Talveer Sandhu on behalf of The Knowledge Academy comments:
It is fantastic to see a willingness among UK adults to adopt and learn new skills this year, both inside and outside of the workplace. With many looking to open more workplace opportunities for themselves, learning further business and project management skills is always a great way to increase employability, as well as chances of promotion and greater responsibility.
Talveer Sandhu on behalf of The Knowledge Academy
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.
