Mind the Gap: Survey Reveals the UK’s Growing Practical Skills Divide

In a world where convenience reigns supreme, it seems many Brits are losing touch with basic life skills. From changing a tyre to fixing a tap, the recent survey by SGS Engineering and OnePoll paints a revealing picture of the UK’s “skills gap”—highlighting practical tasks that many struggle to perform.

What Are Brits Struggling With?

The survey, involving 2,000 UK residents, revealed the top tasks Brits find daunting:

• Changing a tyre (43%)
• Basic car maintenance (33%)
• Sewing or mending clothes (31%)
• First aid and medical emergencies (27%)
• Basic household repairs, such as fixing taps and changing lightbulbs (24%)

Other challenging tasks include managing finances like insurance and pensions (21%) and even negotiating bills (20%). Intriguingly, fewer than one in ten (9%) feel overwhelmed by public transportation or tidying their homes.

Who’s Feeling the Pressure?

The survey unveiled generational differences in skill confidence. Younger respondents (18-24) cited financial management as their Achilles’ heel, with 30% struggling to navigate insurance and negotiate contracts. 

Meanwhile, older generations (45+) are less confident with hands-on tasks like changing tyres, with nearly half (47%) finding it difficult.

What’s Behind the Skills Gap?

The findings point to several reasons for this growing divide:

• Lack of confidence: A third (33%) fear making mistakes.
• Limited learning opportunities: 25% never had the chance to acquire these skills.
• Inadequate education or training: 24% feel unprepared.
• Procrastination or lack of urgency: 23% only realise the importance of a skill too late.
• Surprisingly, 22% admit they’re simply uninterested, preferring to rely on others. Time constraints (15%) and financial barriers (10%) were also cited as hurdles.

The Cost of Inexperience

Lacking these skills isn’t just inconvenient—it can be expensive and emotionally taxing:

• 26% rely on others, whether family, friends, or paid professionals.
• 22% experience stress and anxiety over tasks they can’t handle.
• 20% incur extra financial costs by hiring help.
• 19% feel less independent, and 16% admit to embarrassment over their lack of know-how.

Closing the Skills Gap

Neil Sansom, CEO of SGS Engineering, underscores the importance of addressing these issues:

“Understanding basic car and home maintenance, or even managing finances, isn’t just about convenience—it’s about building confidence and fostering independence. Our survey shows a real need for more accessible resources, better education, and perhaps most importantly, the confidence to try and learn these skills without fear.”

SGS Engineering is stepping up to bridge this divide. By offering high-quality tools and practical guidance, the company is empowering people to gain the skills they need to thrive.

Taking the First Step

Whether it’s changing a tyre or tackling home repairs, mastering practical skills is within everyone’s reach. The survey highlights the urgency of rekindling a culture of self-reliance and lifelong learning. As Neil puts it, “The first step is having the confidence to try.”