WIREDGOV

Katja Hall, CBI Chief Policy Director, said:

“Professor Wolf is right to say that all young people should continue to have access to academic and vocational options from the age of 14, and that there should be a focus on core learning up to the age of 16.

“All students should aim to develop core skills that all employers require, primarily literacy, numeracy, and a greater proportion studying science subjects.

“Around half of employers report problems with the literacy and numeracy of their staff, so we support plans for all young people to continue to study English and Maths if they do not achieve A*-C at GCSE.

“Increased funding for young apprenticeships will provide an invaluable insight into the workplace and will help develop employability skills such as customer awareness and self-management. Employers will also continue providing apprenticeship opportunities to all staff, including older workers.”

For background please see the CBI / EDI Education & Skills Survey 2010: http://www.cbi.org.uk/pdf/2010-cbi-edi-ready-to-grow-business-priorities-for%20education-and-skills.pdf  

Notes to Editors:

Follow the CBI on Twitter at: www.cbi.org.uk/twitter