Menu
23/08/2007
FSB Calls For Rethink Of Secondary Education
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called for a major rethink of secondary education as the remainder of GCSE results are announced in Northern Ireland.
The FSB said it believed that the continuing upward trend of GCSE results is masking deterioration in the level of basic skills provided to pupils who enter the world of work at 16.
The Federation said that this led to reduced productivity in small firms who then have to spend time at the start of new employees' careers filling in the gaps in their education.
According to the FSB, a quarter of small firms in Northern Ireland have reported facing one or more skills shortages when seeking to fill a job vacancy, while over ten per cent of businesses reported that both basic literacy and numeracy skills were lacking in new recruits. A further ten per cent reported a lack of communication skills as a problem.
Wilfred Mitchell, FSB Policy Chairman said: "The skills that local businesses need from school-leavers are literacy, numeracy, punctuality, communication skills and an ability to be well-presented. This allows them to contribute immediately as they start their new job.
"Sadly, at the moment these skills are lacking in many 16 year-olds and this explains why more firms in Northern Ireland are turning instead to new migrants from other EU nations to fill their job vacancies. This threatens to leave more young people on the scrapheap if action is not taken urgently in the secondary school system.
He added: "The Government’s plan to keep children in school until 18 will only be a success if more vocational training is provided that relates to the needs of employers. However, the basics should be taught before 16 and another two years at school will achieve nothing if this is not achieved."
(CL/SP)
The FSB said it believed that the continuing upward trend of GCSE results is masking deterioration in the level of basic skills provided to pupils who enter the world of work at 16.
The Federation said that this led to reduced productivity in small firms who then have to spend time at the start of new employees' careers filling in the gaps in their education.
According to the FSB, a quarter of small firms in Northern Ireland have reported facing one or more skills shortages when seeking to fill a job vacancy, while over ten per cent of businesses reported that both basic literacy and numeracy skills were lacking in new recruits. A further ten per cent reported a lack of communication skills as a problem.
Wilfred Mitchell, FSB Policy Chairman said: "The skills that local businesses need from school-leavers are literacy, numeracy, punctuality, communication skills and an ability to be well-presented. This allows them to contribute immediately as they start their new job.
"Sadly, at the moment these skills are lacking in many 16 year-olds and this explains why more firms in Northern Ireland are turning instead to new migrants from other EU nations to fill their job vacancies. This threatens to leave more young people on the scrapheap if action is not taken urgently in the secondary school system.
He added: "The Government’s plan to keep children in school until 18 will only be a success if more vocational training is provided that relates to the needs of employers. However, the basics should be taught before 16 and another two years at school will achieve nothing if this is not achieved."
(CL/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 June 2019
Deloitte Launches Grad Training Scheme
Graduates from Northern Ireland can now apply for an exciting high quality training programme with Deloitte. 24 spaces are available on the Deloitte Assured Skills Academy which gives participants the opportunity to gain the skills needed for a career in business consultancy using the latest technology and software.
Deloitte Launches Grad Training Scheme
Graduates from Northern Ireland can now apply for an exciting high quality training programme with Deloitte. 24 spaces are available on the Deloitte Assured Skills Academy which gives participants the opportunity to gain the skills needed for a career in business consultancy using the latest technology and software.
17 November 2004
Government launch new skills initiative
A new skills initiative launched by the Department of Learning yesterday aims to raise the skills of Northern Ireland’s existing workforce and help those who are currently out of work to secure and retain employment.
Government launch new skills initiative
A new skills initiative launched by the Department of Learning yesterday aims to raise the skills of Northern Ireland’s existing workforce and help those who are currently out of work to secure and retain employment.
09 May 2014
400 Jobs At IT Firm
400 jobs are to be created by IT solutions company Capita at its site in Newtownabbey, as part of a £29.9m investment over three years. Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry welcomed news of the new jobs, which are expected to be in place by the end of 2016.
400 Jobs At IT Firm
400 jobs are to be created by IT solutions company Capita at its site in Newtownabbey, as part of a £29.9m investment over three years. Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry welcomed news of the new jobs, which are expected to be in place by the end of 2016.
19 August 2013
£1.5m Funding To Boost Employment
£1.5m funding has been released by the Department for Employment and Learning to boost employment and learning opportunities. The Skills Collaboration fund was launched today by Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry. The fund will focus on employer-led projects and on enhancing skills competitions.
£1.5m Funding To Boost Employment
£1.5m funding has been released by the Department for Employment and Learning to boost employment and learning opportunities. The Skills Collaboration fund was launched today by Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry. The fund will focus on employer-led projects and on enhancing skills competitions.
21 August 2023
NI Screen Announces Games, Animation And Visual Effects Skills Academy
A new skills academy to boost games, animation and visual effects expertise has been announced in three NI Further Education colleges, designed by Northern Ireland Screen and NextGen Skills Academy.
NI Screen Announces Games, Animation And Visual Effects Skills Academy
A new skills academy to boost games, animation and visual effects expertise has been announced in three NI Further Education colleges, designed by Northern Ireland Screen and NextGen Skills Academy.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
