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Tech-savvy youngsters are making a great impression on employers with their IT skills, but too often they lack basic abilities in English and maths, the CBI has warned. In advance of GCSE results, a survey by the UK’s biggest business group revealed that - in an increasingly technology-driven work environment - nine out of ten employers are happy with the IT skills of “Generation Text”.
However, more than half of employers are unhappy with the fundamental English and maths skills of these school leavers, with many businesses having to retrain teenagers on basics that should have been covered in the classroom.
New figures from the 2007 CBI / Pertemps Employment Trends Survey show 52% of employers are dissatisfied with the basic literacy of school leavers, and 50% with their basic numeracy, but that an overwhelming 92% are satisfied with their IT skills.
The CBI is concerned that, although the Government has made some clear progress, not enough young people are hitting employers' “benchmark” standard of a C-grade or above in GCSE English and maths. Just 47% managed to achieve both in 2006, meaning around 340,000 young people finished compulsory education without them.
Employers also report that among all school leavers, but particularly the 53% who do not reach the benchmark, deficiencies in maths and English basics often leave teenagers unable to function in the workplace because they cannot make simple calculations in their heads, speak in a suitably articulate manner, or understand written instructions.
Richard Lambert, CBI Director-General, said: “Young people are clearly doing some things very well. These technology-smart whizz kids are making a great impression at businesses with their expertise in IT and computing.
“Their fluency with iPods, mobiles and MySpace has translated well into the workplace, and often gives them an edge over their bosses. The greater focus on IT in schools and investment in computers is also helping.
“The challenge ahead is for schools to channel that same enthusiasm into numeracy and literacy skills, where far too many young people are struggling.
"Maths and English skills are a vital bedrock for further learning, and are essential both in the workplace and in life. We have to sharpen the skills of more of our young people, so that they are starting from the strongest possible position.
“The implications of not doing so are grave. We simply cannot match the labour costs of India, China, and other emerging economies, and only a higher-skilled workforce will keep the UK competitive. The underqualified will be left to choose from an ever dwindling pool of unskilled jobs.
"Basic literacy and numeracy problems are a nightmare for business and for individuals, so we have to get these essentials right. Progress has been made, but it is nowhere near enough, especially considering the massive investment made in education."
The CBI / Pertemps survey reveals 86% of employers think that improving maths and English skills should be a top priority for Government. Employers are having to train too many of their young employees in basic skills - 15% offer remedial training in maths, and 13% train staff in basic literacy. So employers are pleased that functional skills modules, which focus on the practical uses of maths and English, are to be introduced in schools from 2009.
The survey also shows that 71% of employers feel school leavers lack business awareness, and 50% are dissatisfied with their generic employability skills.
Take-up of foreign languages at GCSE has slumped in the past 5 years, particularly since language GCSEs became optional in 2004, and 72% of survey respondents said they are unhappy with foreign language skills among school leavers. This concern remains high at graduate level, where language abilities are especially valuable, with 54% of employers dissatisfied with the linguistic skills of university leavers.
The survey revealed that over half of employers (53%) said their new recruits had unsatisfactory knowledge about their job and career - highlighting the need for greater investment in careers advice.
Mr Lambert added: “Careers advice is failing to open young people’s eyes to the exciting world that lies beyond education, particularly in science-related careers or vocational options. Life-changing decisions are made at this age, so the Government needs to reinvigorate the careers service and help young people make the right choices."
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