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Compulsory work experience will help to close the skills gap

Wednesday 14 October 2015

 

Compulsory work experience will help to close the skills gap 

The vast majority of business, school and college leaders in London want ministers to recognise the importance of pre-16 work experience in preparing students for the world of work, according to new data released by the British Chambers of Commerce today.

The survey of over 250 business and education leaders in London found that 78% of education providers and 80% of businesses believe that all schools should have a pre-16 workplace experience programme. 79% of businesses and 74% of education leaders also thought that work experience was the best activity for students to develop the skills needed to prepare them for the world of work.

Commenting on the figures, Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said: "Equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed in the work place is crucial if we are to close the skills gap.

"It is encouraging to see that the majority of schools and businesses partner with each other to offer apprenticeships, work experience and participation in careers fairs, but there are still too many businesses who are reporting that students do not have the skills required to succeed in the working world.

"Making pre-16 work experience compulsory once again will help to bridge the gap between education and working life for young people." 

ENDS

Media contact
Sophie Mew, Policy and Public Affairs Officer
T: +44 (0)20 7203 1889                 
M: +44 (0)7827 241528
E: smew@londonchamber.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR:

  1. London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is the capital's largest and most representative business organisation, with members ranging in size from multi-national companies to SMEs and sole traders.
  2. Colin Stanbridge is available for further comment and interview.
  3. Evidence is taken from the London results of the BCC Business and Education survey conducted in July - August 2015. The survey received 3,246 responses from businesses and 306 responses from schools, colleges and universities.