Two thirds of employers dissatisfied with school and college leaver’s language skills
A new survey by employers’ group CBI reveals 71 per cent of UK bosses are dissatisfied with foreign language skills in school and college leavers.
The report highlights how linguistic proficiency in another language can significantly boost the employability of young people. It also underlines the importance of international cultural awareness as a skill employers seek to build worldwide business relationships.
“Learning a language is not just about words,” said Kathryn Board, chief executive of CILT, the National Centre for Languages.
“It is about communication, commitment, intercultural understanding and building an ability to operate and be successful in a multilingual and multicultural world.”
Research commissioned by the European Commission points to a greater potential for creativity amongst those who can speak more than one language. According to the EC, bilinguals also tend to be more successful in problem solving which is cognitively demanding.
Ms Board adds: “It is vital that we give all young people the opportunity to develop these skills that will set them up so well for the future, and allow them to be successful in an increasingly competitive global jobs market.”
Jason Rainbow
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