According to the CBI/Pearson annual education survey, businesses want the education system to better prepare young people with the attitudes and attributes they need to succeed in the world of work.
It also warns there are continuing concerns about the literacy and numeracy skills of workers, with many firms admitting that they have laid on remedial classes for employees.
It suggests that while many employers are looking for staff with degrees in science and maths-based subjects, some have reservations about both the quantity and quality of these graduates.
The CBI’s survey is based on responses from 291 companies collectively employing nearly 1.5 million people.
The findings show that around three fifths (61%) are concerned about the resilience and self-management of school leavers, while a third (33%) are worried about attitudes to work.
The survey also found that 48% of firms prefer graduates with STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) degrees, but 46% have concerns about the quantity of these graduates and 48% are worried about the quality. Read more
