Lack of workplace skills in young people, say businesses
A survey* published by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) this month shows that 88% of businesses overwhelmingly feel that many young people are not adequately prepared for the workplace.
More than 76% believe a lack of work experience is the reason young people are unprepared for work. The BCC’s Workforce Survey suggests that stronger links must be formed between educators and business, to better prepare young people for work. The report confirms that University Technical Colleges are absolutely right in their approach to ensure their students are ‘work-ready’.
Dr Alan McMurdo, Principal Designate of Greater Peterborough UTC, comments: “Our students will work with a range of employers, who have helped develop our curriculum. They will be aware of what’s expected of them in the workplace as they will get real experience of it. They will study across a broadly based curriculum but develop key skills of the work place such as punctuality, communication, team-working and presentation skills.
“When they leave the GPUTC, they will have an excellent understanding of their sustainable engineering or sustainable construction specialism, the career opportunities available, and how to conduct themselves in the workplace environment.”
Commenting, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“This isn’t about pointing the finger at young people – it is a joint responsibility between businesses, the education system and government to provide the right skills and support that young people need to make it in the world of work. It is vital that we proactively build a pipeline of young talent who will go on to become the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs, as failure to do so could damage the UK’s future growth prospects and risk a lost generation of young people.”
Year 9 students and parents at first GPUTC Open Evening.
GPUTC will be running its next Open Evening at University Centre Peterborough at the Park Crescent Campus on Tuesday 11thNovember 2014 from 6-8pm for current Year 11 students and their parents (Year 12 Intake September 2015) or to register your interest at http://www.gputc.com/join-us
*Source: British Chambers of Commerce ‘Workforce Survey, Developing the Talents of the Next Generation.’
For further details or to register your interest, please visit http://gputc.com/openevenings, follow us on twitter @GPUTC and Facebook at www.facebook.com/GreaterPeterboroughUTC.
The Greater Peterborough UTC will be owned by the Greater Peterborough UTC, an Academy Trust, which has three founding board members, a nominee from Anglia Ruskin University, a nominee from Anglian Water Services Limited and a nominee from Peterborough Regional College. In addition, a large number of local employers are supporting the development of the UTC. The UTC Board will consist of a majority of Employer and University Governors.
For further information please contact:
E-mail: info@gputc.com Tel: 0345 872 8722
www.gputc.com @GPUTC
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