Measuring low skills in Europe: how useful is the ISCED framework?

Abstract

This paper aims to find a suitable definition of a low skilled worker, that can be applied in a consistent way across the various countries of the European Union. The International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) is identified as the most suitable means of measuring skills over time and space, as those individuals categorised as less than ISCED 3 are labelled ‘low‐skilled’. The paper then uses three international surveys of educational performance to justify this choice. It is shown that those in the <ISCED 3 group are likely to have a limited grasp of the skills needed in the modern workplace, and that this definitional group captures most individuals who are categorised as low‐skilled by more objective means. Thus this definition of low‐skilled workers appears to be useful and appropriate.