Core Insights - Inefficient career transitions and learning gaps are costing the U.S. economy $1.1 trillion annually, which represents 5% of GDP [1][8] - The report "Lost in Transition: Fixing the Skills Gap" highlights a potential global skills chasm between employer needs and employee capabilities, calling for a fundamental shift in learning and skills development approaches [2][3] Economic Impact - The report details the economic and personal impacts of learning gaps during major career transitions, including shifts from school to work, layoffs, and disruptions from AI automation [3] - It emphasizes that improving learning methods and developing modern skilling pathways are critical for immediate action across education and business sectors [3][4] Learning Strategies - The concept of "Learning to Learn" is vital for creating an adaptive workforce capable of continual upskilling and career pivots, with a study indicating that these methods can accelerate learning progress by seven months [4] - Pearson advocates for dynamic and efficient skilling pathways that align with future workforce needs, promoting work-based learning such as apprenticeships [5] Economic Opportunities - By shortening transition times from formal education to work by six weeks, the U.S. could potentially gain $40 billion annually [5] - Implementing these approaches could unlock trillions for economies and create life-changing opportunities for millions globally [6] Call to Action - The report warns that without action, the skills gap could widen into a chasm, necessitating collaboration among employers, educators, workers, and government to find solutions [7]

Core Insights - American Express Company (AXP) has expanded its partnership with Toronto Pearson Airport to enhance benefits for American Express Cardmembers, aiming to improve their airport experience [1][4]. Benefits of the Partnership - Eligible American Express Cardmembers will have expedited access to the Priority Security Lane at Terminals 1 and 3 through single-use QR codes [2]. - Complimentary valet car service is available for Cardmembers departing from Terminal 1, with parking fees waived when charged to an eligible American Express Card [2]. - A 15% discount on parking rates at the Express Park facility in Terminal 1 and Daily Park facilities in Terminals 1 and 3 will be provided, reflected as a statement credit [3]. - Cardmembers can also receive a 15% discount on car cleaning and detailing services at Terminal 1 [3]. Strategic Implications - The bundled benefits are expected to enhance travel convenience and enjoyment for passengers, reinforcing American Express's strong presence in Canada's transit system [4]. - The expansion reflects American Express's commitment to maintaining the attractiveness of its card offerings, potentially retaining existing Cardmembers and attracting new ones [5]. - The card-issuing business is a significant revenue source for American Express, and this initiative is anticipated to contribute to top-line growth, with management confident in achieving long-term revenue growth of 10% [5]. Financial Performance - American Express shares have increased by 73.2% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 24.5% [6].

Core Insights - Microsoft and Pearson announced a strategic collaboration to address the global challenge of skilling for the AI era, focusing on AI-powered products and services for employers, workers, and learners [1][3] - The partnership aims to combine Pearson's expertise in learning and assessment with Microsoft's cloud and AI technologies to enhance workforce readiness in an AI-driven economy [1][3] Industry Context - A global IDC survey identified the lack of skilled workers as the primary challenge for enterprises implementing AI technology [2] - The 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report revealed that 66% of leaders would not hire individuals without AI skills [2] - Pearson's research indicates that generative AI could save U.S. workers 78 million hours weekly by automating routine tasks [2] Collaboration Details - The partnership will involve several initiatives, including the integration of Microsoft Azure Cloud capabilities and AI tools into Pearson's services [4][5] - Pearson will enhance its content and assessment services using Microsoft’s AI infrastructure, aiming to provide personalized learning experiences to millions globally [5] - New AI credentials and certifications will be developed to help individuals build AI proficiency and technical skills [5] Commitment to Workforce Development - Microsoft will extend its partnership with Pearson VUE, focusing on Microsoft Cloud and Office certifications through 2029, benefiting millions of learners [5][6] - Pearson plans to deploy Microsoft 365 Copilot across its workforce to improve efficiency and productivity [5][6] - In 2024, Microsoft and its partners trained over 23 million people in digital skills, while Pearson launched a Generative AI Foundations certification [6]

Core Findings - An annual investment of £130 million in technology in UK schools over the next decade could deliver an economic benefit of up to £8.7 billion, with a return of up to £7.90 for every £1 invested [1] - The research highlights the transformative economic and educational benefits of investing in digital transformation within UK state-funded schools, particularly in curriculum and assessment [2] Strategic Investment Areas - Device provision: Currently, only 34% of secondary schools and 31% of primary schools report having sufficient devices [5] - Broadband improvement: Slow internet speeds are reported at 27% of secondary schools and 36% of primary schools [8] - Teacher training: 24% of teachers lack confidence in their digital skills, and 20+ hours of training per teacher is recommended [8] Economic and Educational Benefits - Teacher time savings of around £900 million in the first year, equivalent to almost five average working weeks [6] - Additional earning potential for new labor market entrants: from under £7 million in year one to around £200 million by year 10 due to improved skills and higher student attainment [6] - Economic productivity: Returns starting at around £6 million in the first year and rising to around £180 million by year 10 [6] - Positive environmental impact: Potential for nearly two million kg of CO2E savings by the tenth year, enough to power hundreds of households for a year [6] Call to Action - Pearson calls for a national strategy for deploying technology in schools and will launch a wider Digital in Schools project in 2025, guided by research and practical suggestions to unlock the benefits of EdTech [7] Industry Perspective - The report emphasizes the importance of preparing students for a digital world, particularly for those from lower-income families without access to technology at home [4] - Strategic investment in infrastructure and teacher training is crucial to better prepare students for future life and work, ultimately building a more productive workforce [4] - The report highlights the long-term benefits of increased investment in EdTech, which outweigh costs by several multiples and can improve skills, educational outcomes, and labor market productivity [4]

HOBOKEN, N.J., Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's leading learning company, marks a pivotal milestone in its commitment to provide high-quality, meaningful credentials in a skills-based economy. The company's digital credential platform, Credly, issued its 100 millionth unique badge. The World Economic Forum predicts the average lifespan of a skill will drop from six years to 2.5 years by 2030, requiring a more agile approach than ever to upskilling. Digital credentials help in ...

Widespread adoption of advanced technologies makes tech skills essential in all sectorsCEOs and CHROs need to rethink workforce and skilling strategiesHealthcare sector booming as population agesHOBOKEN, N.J., Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's lifelong learning company, today launched the Skills Map of the United States, an in-depth analysis of the American job market through 2028. The report projects 1.9 million new jobs will be created through 2028, even as automation, AI a ...

Dublin, Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "School Assessment Tools Market by Product, Level - Global Forecast 2025-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The School Assessment Tools Market grew from USD 10.44 billion in 2023 to USD 11.38 billion in 2024. It is expected to continue growing at a CAGR of 10.07%, reaching USD 20.44 billion by 2030. School assessment tools encompass a broad range of products and platforms designed to evaluate, measure, and enhance student learning, ...

Tim Pearson will manage state and local regulatory and government relations, and community affairs Mike Callahan will become senior vice president and treasurer GREENVILLE, S.C., Oct. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy today announced that Tim Pearson will become South Carolina state president, effective Nov. 1. He will succeed Mike Callahan, who has been promoted to senior vice president and treasurer of the company following the retirement of Karl Newlin. Pearson, 42, will manage state and local regulat ...

Core Insights - Pearson and Degreed are expanding their partnership to enhance workforce skills in the AI era, focusing on long-term business resilience [1][4] - The integration of Faethm data sets into the Degreed Skills dashboard will provide real-time insights into relevant skills across industries, allowing organizations to benchmark and identify skill gaps [2][4] - This collaboration aims to drive productivity and innovation through targeted training programs aligned with strategic goals, ensuring a competitive edge in a changing marketplace [3][4] Company Overview - Pearson is committed to helping individuals and organizations prepare for the future of work through its Workforce Skills division, which includes digital credentialing and strategic workforce planning solutions [5] - Degreed offers a leading enterprise learning platform that enables organizations to develop a skill-driven workforce, emphasizing the importance of personalized learning experiences [7]

Financial Performance - Revenue reached £1,754 million, reflecting a 2% underlying increase [5] - Adjusted operating profit increased by 4% underlying to £250 million [5] - Operating cash flow increased by £50 million to £129 million [5] - Free cash flow increased by £77 million to £27 million [5] - Interim dividend increased by 6% to 74p [5] Segment Performance - Assessment & Qualifications sales increased by 2% underlying to £811 million [8] - Virtual Learning sales decreased by 8% underlying to £254 million [8] - Higher Education sales decreased by 2% underlying to £358 million [8] - English Language Learning sales increased by 11% to £188 million [8] - Workforce Skills sales increased by 6% to £143 million [8] Strategic Initiatives - Pearson+ registered users reached 50 million, with 1107k cumulative paid subscriptions [8] - The company is targeting a mid-single digit underlying sales CAGR [21] - The company is targeting an average margin growth of 40 bps p a beyond 2025 [21] - The company is targeting 90 –100 % free cash conversion [21]