Menu
20/08/2007
Teenagers Lack Essential Skills
More than half of employers say they face a 'nightmare' dealing with teenage school leavers who are unable to read, write and perform basic maths skills properly.
A new Confederation of British Industry (CBI) survey revealed many employers are unhappy with the fundamental English and maths skills of 16 year olds.
The figures show 52% of employers are dissatisfied with the basic literacy of school leavers, 59% with their basic numeracy, although a staggering 92% say teenagers IT skills are acceptable.
Richard Lambert, CBI Director-General, said: "Young people are clearly doing some things very well.
"Their fluency with iPods, mobiles and MySpace has translated well into the workplace, and often gives them an edge over their bosses."
"The challenge ahead is for schools to channel that same enthusiasm into numeracy and literacy skills, where far too many young people are struggling.
"Basic literacy and numeracy problems are a nightmare for business and for individuals, so we have to get these essentials right.
"Maths and English skills are a vital bedrock for further learning, and are essential both in the workplace and in life."
(CD/SP)
A new Confederation of British Industry (CBI) survey revealed many employers are unhappy with the fundamental English and maths skills of 16 year olds.
The figures show 52% of employers are dissatisfied with the basic literacy of school leavers, 59% with their basic numeracy, although a staggering 92% say teenagers IT skills are acceptable.
Richard Lambert, CBI Director-General, said: "Young people are clearly doing some things very well.
"Their fluency with iPods, mobiles and MySpace has translated well into the workplace, and often gives them an edge over their bosses."
"The challenge ahead is for schools to channel that same enthusiasm into numeracy and literacy skills, where far too many young people are struggling.
"Basic literacy and numeracy problems are a nightmare for business and for individuals, so we have to get these essentials right.
"Maths and English skills are a vital bedrock for further learning, and are essential both in the workplace and in life."
(CD/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 October 2003
15m adults lack basic GCSE numeracy skills: survey
More than 15 million adults in the UK have such poor numeracy skills that they would not be able to gain even the lowest grades at GCSE, according to a government report published today. The study also found that those that have numeracy skills below the standard expected of 9 to 11-year-olds fell slightly from 7 million in 1997 to 6.
15m adults lack basic GCSE numeracy skills: survey
More than 15 million adults in the UK have such poor numeracy skills that they would not be able to gain even the lowest grades at GCSE, according to a government report published today. The study also found that those that have numeracy skills below the standard expected of 9 to 11-year-olds fell slightly from 7 million in 1997 to 6.
26 September 2003
'Unsatisfactory teaching' mars adult skills provision: Ofsted
The government's adult basic skills strategy is being hampered by "poor quality provision and unsatisfactory teaching", a new report from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) and the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) finds today.
'Unsatisfactory teaching' mars adult skills provision: Ofsted
The government's adult basic skills strategy is being hampered by "poor quality provision and unsatisfactory teaching", a new report from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) and the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) finds today.
09 November 2005
Public schools found guilty of fee fixing
Fifty of England’s top public schools have broken competition law by exchanging information about fees, the Office of Fair Trading has announced. Following an investigation lasting more than two years, the OFT found that pupils’ parents ended up paying higher fees as a result of the information-sharing.
Public schools found guilty of fee fixing
Fifty of England’s top public schools have broken competition law by exchanging information about fees, the Office of Fair Trading has announced. Following an investigation lasting more than two years, the OFT found that pupils’ parents ended up paying higher fees as a result of the information-sharing.
28 November 2003
UK employers to benefit from £46m skills boost
UK employers are set to receive a £46 million skills boost, thanks to extra investment in Skills for Business – a UK-wide network of employer-led Sector Skills Councils.
UK employers to benefit from £46m skills boost
UK employers are set to receive a £46 million skills boost, thanks to extra investment in Skills for Business – a UK-wide network of employer-led Sector Skills Councils.
01 August 2003
Survey finds thousands of pupils have no swimming skills
More than 100,000 children leave primary school each year without mastering basic swimming skills which could save their lives, a Times Education Supplement survey has revealed.
Survey finds thousands of pupils have no swimming skills
More than 100,000 children leave primary school each year without mastering basic swimming skills which could save their lives, a Times Education Supplement survey has revealed.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Bright spells with a few showers continuing through this evening. Some drier, clearer periods in the early hours, before cloud builds and showers turn more persistent towards dawn. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
