Literacy news
CBI criticises schools over "inadequate" literacy
9 May 2011
A survey conducted by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) shows that many employers are dissatisfied with school leavers' use of English. According to CBI (who asked over 500 firms), almost half of all employers have paid for remedial training for school and college leavers who lack a basic grasp of English.
John Cridland, the Confederation's director-general, said:
"It's alarming that a significant number of employers have concerns about the basic skills of school and college leavers. Companies do not expect them to produce job-ready young people, but having a solid foundation in basic skills, such as literacy , is fundamental for work."
Companies also find school leavers lacking in the broader attributes required for work, with 69% saying school leavers have inadequate business awareness, and more than 50% finding shortcomings in their ability to manage themselves.
The National Literacy Trust's Words for Work project brings together secondary school pupils and volunteers from the business community to explore the use of speaking and listening skills in the workplace through a series of creative workshops. The project aims to ensure young people develop the skills they need to succeed in the workplace. For more information, please visit our Words for Work webpage.
Read more at the Guardian.
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