Educators, employers and policy makers gathered at our HQ in London today to formally launch the findings of CBI/Pearson education and skills survey 2013. This annual survey provides a valuable insight into how well the skills needs of some of the UK’s largest and most successful businesses are being met.
The findings from the survey of 294 firms, employing 1.24 million workers show there is a stubborn shortage in the skills the UK needs to remain competitive and fuel long-term growth. For instance, 39% of firms report struggling to recruit workers with the advanced, technical STEM skills they need – with 41% saying shortages will persist for the next three years.
Speaking at the event, Rod Bristow, President of our UK education business, said:
“Youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, so now more than ever, business, government and the education community must work together to ensure young people learn what they need, for a better job and a better life. This data shows that employers are still having to do the leg work to get young people ready for work.
“This means considering the skills and knowledge that young people need to compete on an international level. We share an ambition to ensure that the qualifications and skills people acquire at school, college, university or in work are truly world class, and globally benchmarked.”
“By bringing together our strong national heritage in education and lessons from our partners internationally, Britain has the potential to become the global leader in the race for knowledge, skills and innovation.”
Download and read the full report on the CBI website.
This article first appeared on the Pearson Blog and is reproduced with permission.