Confidence peaks at 20 then declines
Adults across the West Midlands are struggling with a “confidence dip” when it comes to learning new skills at work, according to new research.
The study found that 41% of people in the region feel they have lost faith in their ability to upskill, with career confidence peaking at just 20 years old.
More than half (53%) of respondents said they no longer feel the same sense of “endless possibilities” that they had in their youth, highlighting a growing challenge for both employees and employers.
Barriers to learning
Nationally, three major obstacles hold people back from professional development: 57% feel they are “too old” to learn, 47% lack motivation, and 32% feel overwhelmed by the process.
Despite this, two in five adults in the West Midlands said they would regain confidence if they found a course or subject that inspired them, while 30% remain curious about their untapped potential.
Psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters said: “Often psychological barriers, such as feeling unsupported, incorrect self-perception, or past experience, can prevent us from embarking on new learning opportunities. Developing a positive mindset and creating opportunities can bring success and self-fulfilment.”
Real-life experience
Lee Roberts, 44, from Dudley, completed a Level 4 DevOps apprenticeship and said it transformed his career: “The course significantly boosted my confidence and opened doors to new opportunities in the tech industry. Learning new skills as an adult can feel daunting, but it can also be empowering.”
Skills for the future
The Department for Education’s Skills for Life campaign is urging people to use the summer to reflect on their strengths and consider technical training. While many adults feel confident in emotional intelligence (36%), teamwork (35%) and communication (35%), they want to grow in areas such as digital and tech (32%), problem-solving (23%), and critical thinking (19%).
The findings suggest that, despite widespread confidence concerns, there is still a strong appetite for learning across the region.
