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15/02/2005
UK employers struggle to find staff with right skills
According to a recent survey, UK companies are reporting increased difficulties in recruiting staff with the right skills, and the education system has been accused of failing to meet employers' requirements.
Figures released today by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) revealed a 50% increase in the number of employers reporting problems recruiting staff with the right skills. Comparison between the BCC’s biggest economic surveys in 1994 and 2004, both surveys involved responses from over 6,000 businesses, revealed that in 1994, 29% of firms complained that they were experiencing difficulties recruiting skilled employees, in 2004 this had risen to 43%.
At a conference today, Director General of the BCC, David Frost, will tell delegates how employers are often "frustrated that young people are not equipped with the right skills for the workplace".
Mr Frost is expected to say: "The system is simply not providing potential employees with the right skills for business and our figures show it has been failing for many years. The skills of our workforce are already lagging behind many of our global competitors."
He will call on ministers to implement "lasting reform" in the White Paper on education reform for 14 to 16 year-olds, which is due next week.
The proposals, from former chief inspector of schools Mike Tomlinson, include a staged diploma to replace GCSE and A-level examinations, but the Government are unlikely to embrace such far-ranging proposals.
Education Secretary Ruth Kelly is expected to be reluctant to dispense with the well-recognised exam structure. Downing Street, prior to an election, have already signalled that the radical restructuring proposals are unacceptable.
The BCC would support a diploma-based system, but want an improved vocational achievement programme that will win employer backing.
(SP)
Figures released today by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) revealed a 50% increase in the number of employers reporting problems recruiting staff with the right skills. Comparison between the BCC’s biggest economic surveys in 1994 and 2004, both surveys involved responses from over 6,000 businesses, revealed that in 1994, 29% of firms complained that they were experiencing difficulties recruiting skilled employees, in 2004 this had risen to 43%.
At a conference today, Director General of the BCC, David Frost, will tell delegates how employers are often "frustrated that young people are not equipped with the right skills for the workplace".
Mr Frost is expected to say: "The system is simply not providing potential employees with the right skills for business and our figures show it has been failing for many years. The skills of our workforce are already lagging behind many of our global competitors."
He will call on ministers to implement "lasting reform" in the White Paper on education reform for 14 to 16 year-olds, which is due next week.
The proposals, from former chief inspector of schools Mike Tomlinson, include a staged diploma to replace GCSE and A-level examinations, but the Government are unlikely to embrace such far-ranging proposals.
Education Secretary Ruth Kelly is expected to be reluctant to dispense with the well-recognised exam structure. Downing Street, prior to an election, have already signalled that the radical restructuring proposals are unacceptable.
The BCC would support a diploma-based system, but want an improved vocational achievement programme that will win employer backing.
(SP)
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Employer Skills Survey Results Published
The results of the 2015 Employer Skills Survey, managed by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), have been published by Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry. Minister Farry launched the report at an meeting of business, education and training representatives in Belfast Metropolitan College's Titanic Quarter Campus.
Employer Skills Survey Results Published
The results of the 2015 Employer Skills Survey, managed by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), have been published by Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry. Minister Farry launched the report at an meeting of business, education and training representatives in Belfast Metropolitan College's Titanic Quarter Campus.
08 April 2002
Basic Skills Committee praised by Minister
Minister for Employment and Learning, Carmel Hanna has given the seal of approval to the work of the Basic Skills Committee, set up in 1999 to oversee a programme of work addressing the educational needs of adults.
Basic Skills Committee praised by Minister
Minister for Employment and Learning, Carmel Hanna has given the seal of approval to the work of the Basic Skills Committee, set up in 1999 to oversee a programme of work addressing the educational needs of adults.
26 September 2003
The New Sector Skills Council For Construction
Charles Clarke, the Secretary for State for Education, has given the green light to the new sector skills council for the construction industry. Known as ConstructionSkills, the new SSC will comprise CITBGB in partnership with CITBNI (Northern Ireland) and CIC (Construction Industry Council).
The New Sector Skills Council For Construction
Charles Clarke, the Secretary for State for Education, has given the green light to the new sector skills council for the construction industry. Known as ConstructionSkills, the new SSC will comprise CITBGB in partnership with CITBNI (Northern Ireland) and CIC (Construction Industry Council).
26 May 2011
Skills Strategy To 'Transform Futures' Says Farry
There needs to be a greater emphasis on skills training if Northern Ireland is to have the workforce necessary to help the economy grow in the future.
Skills Strategy To 'Transform Futures' Says Farry
There needs to be a greater emphasis on skills training if Northern Ireland is to have the workforce necessary to help the economy grow in the future.
21 September 2001
Education conference debates balance between education and skills
An education conference hosted by the Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment has focused debate on the balancing of academic learning in the classroom with skills and experience in the workplace.
Education conference debates balance between education and skills
An education conference hosted by the Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment has focused debate on the balancing of academic learning in the classroom with skills and experience in the workplace.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
