PIAAC i Norden

In comparison with the other twenty nations which in 2011–
2012 took part in the PIAAC Survey of OECD, the standard of
basic adult skills in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden
in reading, arithmetic and the use of information technology
to solve problems is generally good. Nevertheless, a number
of people in the Nordic Countries have limited basic skills
that are decisive to be successful in the information society.
For example, 2.1 million people have limited reading skills.
The percentage of inhabitants aged 16–65 varies from 11%
in Finland to 16% in Denmark. The percentage of those who
have limited skills in arithmetic is similar, but the percentage
of those who have difficulty using information and
communication technology for solving problems varies from
25–40%. How exactly to define limited skills is debatable,
but there is no doubt that the number of those in this category
is considerable. Limited skills are more common among
immigrants, job applicants, those who have short formal
education and older people. The correlation is, however, not
absolute between having limited skills and belonging to one
of these groups. People with limited skills are to be found in
almost every social group in the Nordic Countries. Many people
want to enhance their skills and are eager to learn, also
those who have limited basic skills. With regard to participation
in adult education and requests for skills enhancement,
the PIAAC results indicate that there are more similarities
than difference between the Nordic Countries. Iceland did
not participate in PIAAC.