Gen Z students in Manchester to learn ‘soft skills’ such as empathy and time management

Thousands of gen Z students in Greater Manchester are to learn “soft skills” such as empathy and time-management in a UK-first trial aimed at teaching “everyday but essential” tools. Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, said: “Preparing young people to lead confident, healthy and productive lives is key to their employability and long-term wellbeing. Last month one of Britain’s leading accountancy firms, Forvis Mazars, launched a social skills course to teach gen Z lessons on “picking up the phone” and simulations of client meetings. A survey of 3,000 employers in Greater Manchester in 2023 raised concerns that young recruits were missing “essential life skills” like empathy, time management, speaking to customers, problem-solving and critical thinking. Data suggested gen Z had fewer “everyday but essential” communication skills than older generations, Ranote said, largely due to the advent of social media.