Menu
23/08/2004
Business dissatisfied with quality of school leavers: CBI
There is growing dissatisfaction with the quality of school leavers among British businesses and one-in-three firms have to give training to compensate for failures in the education system, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has claimed.
According to an annual CBI-Pertemps employment trends survey, 37% say they are not satisfied with the basic literacy and numeracy of school leavers – an increase of 3% on 2003.
The latest figures suggest that employers spend over £23 billion each year on training - much of which is being spent ironing out basic problems which should have been resolved by state education, the CBI said.
The survey of over 500 companies, which is due for release next month, also showed that 41% of firms were not satisfied with school leavers' business awareness and 46% were not satisfied with their self-management skills.
Employers also fear that government proposals to reform radically the education system will distract attention from the key task of improving young people's skills.
CBI Director-General Digby Jones said that young recruits must be able to hit the ground running in today's fast-moving business environment.
"Too many school leavers are failing to make the business grade. A fundamental working knowledge of English and Maths provides a vital foundation for every day-to-day business task. But the education system is letting down many young people and leaving them unprepared for the world of work," he said.
"Employers are left to pick up the pieces and the bill, with many resorting to basic training to compensate for the short-comings of an education system that they have already paid for through increased business taxation."
(gmcg)
According to an annual CBI-Pertemps employment trends survey, 37% say they are not satisfied with the basic literacy and numeracy of school leavers – an increase of 3% on 2003.
The latest figures suggest that employers spend over £23 billion each year on training - much of which is being spent ironing out basic problems which should have been resolved by state education, the CBI said.
The survey of over 500 companies, which is due for release next month, also showed that 41% of firms were not satisfied with school leavers' business awareness and 46% were not satisfied with their self-management skills.
Employers also fear that government proposals to reform radically the education system will distract attention from the key task of improving young people's skills.
CBI Director-General Digby Jones said that young recruits must be able to hit the ground running in today's fast-moving business environment.
"Too many school leavers are failing to make the business grade. A fundamental working knowledge of English and Maths provides a vital foundation for every day-to-day business task. But the education system is letting down many young people and leaving them unprepared for the world of work," he said.
"Employers are left to pick up the pieces and the bill, with many resorting to basic training to compensate for the short-comings of an education system that they have already paid for through increased business taxation."
(gmcg)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 June 2002
Business leaders help budding entrepreneurs
Tomorrow’s businessmen and women from Castle High School in north Belfast had the opportunity to fine-tune their entrepreneurial skills during a day-long Sentinus Business Insight Conference held at the school. Business leaders from across Belfast joined Year 10 and 11 pupils to provide them with their expert advice on being successful in business.
Business leaders help budding entrepreneurs
Tomorrow’s businessmen and women from Castle High School in north Belfast had the opportunity to fine-tune their entrepreneurial skills during a day-long Sentinus Business Insight Conference held at the school. Business leaders from across Belfast joined Year 10 and 11 pupils to provide them with their expert advice on being successful in business.
06 November 2015
Council Hosts 'Small Business Saturday Bus Tour'
Belfast City Council hosted the 'Small Business Saturday Bus Tour' at City Hall on Thursday, 05 November, which is touring the UK to highlight small business success and encourage people to 'shop local'.
Council Hosts 'Small Business Saturday Bus Tour'
Belfast City Council hosted the 'Small Business Saturday Bus Tour' at City Hall on Thursday, 05 November, which is touring the UK to highlight small business success and encourage people to 'shop local'.
28 March 2017
Belfast Met Launch New Belfast Business School
A new Belfast Business School has been launched by Belfast Met, alongside a £1.2m investment funded by the Department for the Economy to enhance the teaching and training facilities at the College's Springvale campus.
Belfast Met Launch New Belfast Business School
A new Belfast Business School has been launched by Belfast Met, alongside a £1.2m investment funded by the Department for the Economy to enhance the teaching and training facilities at the College's Springvale campus.
14 October 2016
Goldmas Sachs Launches New Programme To Help Small Businesses
Goldman Sachs have announced a new programme aimed at helping small businesses across the UK to access high-quality, practical education and business support. The 10,000 Small Businesses programme aims to specifically address the support gap for small enterprises, helping them to unlock the economic and job creation potential of their businesses.
Goldmas Sachs Launches New Programme To Help Small Businesses
Goldman Sachs have announced a new programme aimed at helping small businesses across the UK to access high-quality, practical education and business support. The 10,000 Small Businesses programme aims to specifically address the support gap for small enterprises, helping them to unlock the economic and job creation potential of their businesses.
10 April 2013
Maghera Student Scoops Innovation Award At Ulster Business School
Brianna Cassidy from Maghera, a final year student in Business Studies at the University of Ulster at Jordanstown has been named a winner of the Ulster Business School's Placement Innovation Awards 2012 in the Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics.
Maghera Student Scoops Innovation Award At Ulster Business School
Brianna Cassidy from Maghera, a final year student in Business Studies at the University of Ulster at Jordanstown has been named a winner of the Ulster Business School's Placement Innovation Awards 2012 in the Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
