Parliamentary Group launches report on how well schools prepare young people for their future careers

On Tuesday 2 May, The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Education, supported by the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA), is launching its report on how well our schools are preparing young people for their future, with a particular focus on their readiness for the workforce.

 

According to industry groups such as the Confederation of British Industry, there is a growing concern among employers that in the future they will struggle to fill skilled job roles. But does an increasing focus from the Government on the acquisition of academic knowledge help this situation, or should schools be asked to play a role in equipping pupils with soft skills for the workplace?

 

The inquiry received written evidence from a range of stakeholders across industry and the education sector. The All-Party Group also held three roundtable sessions on subject knowledge and soft skills; careers provision; and STEM education.

 

The All-Party Group’s report examines unmet skills needs from the perspective of employers; evaluates the success of careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) in providing the bridge between education and employment; and identifies the barriers preventing the education system from meeting employer demands for certain skills.

 

While Parliament is dissolved, which is from 3 May until the date of the Election, there are no Members of Parliament. The APPG on Education will have no status as an All-Party Parliamentary Group. The Group is therefore unable to make any further comment or communication until after the Election.

 

Following the election, the APPG will be seeking to meet the relevant Minister at the Department for Education to ensure that the report’s recommendations are discussed in Government. The APPG wishes to provide a forum to aid Government to develop policy which will be of greatest benefit to pupils and educational stakeholders

 

 

“The world of work is undergoing rapid change. Many of the jobs that we recognise today will be automated and new jobs will be emerging. In order to give the children in our education system the best chance in life, we will need to be equipping them with a broad and adaptable skill set that will prepare them for the challenges that lie ahead. I hope that the APPG’s report will open a dialogue on the nature of the challenges that we face and practical ways to confront them.”

 

About the APPG for Education: The APPG for Education explores how maintaining a dialogue between the education sector and Parliament can support improvements in schools and colleges.  The British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA) provides the Secretariat of the APPG.