Business facing skills shortage
EMPLOYERS are becoming increasingly concerned over a shortfall in skilled job candidates, despite the legacy of a recession that left large numbers of highly-qualified university graduates unable to get onto the career ladder.
Over half of employers expect to have difficulties in filling posts requiring graduate or higher level skills in the coming years, according to a report out today from business organisation the CBI, “Ready to grow: business priorities for education and skills”. A third also believe it will become impossible to fill intermediate level jobs requiring the equivalent of A-level qualifications.
CBI director general Richard Lambert said higher-level qualifications in subjects like science and maths will be particularly in demand in the future, with many firms already experiencing difficulties hiring people with the right technical or engineering skills.
“The new government must make encouraging more young people to study science-related subjects a top priority,” Lambert said. “Businesses can help by showing that these skills lead to exciting and rewarding careers, helping to tackle the big challenges such as climate change and energy security.”
The report’s findings come despite the surplus of students graduating in the past couple of years without a firm job offer due to the recession.