Last week's A level results prompted the usual photos of leggy lovelies getting the grades they needed to get to the university of their choice, but it's not all about the students. What does the business world need of its graduate recruits? Are students studying subjects that will make them employable, or just opting for the easiest, or most entertaining, course?
According to the CBI, more people need to study maths beyond GCSE level, although the number of students completing A-level maths this year has risen 12% to 72,475. The organisation welcomed this increase, but said that around 85% of young people still give up studying formal maths beyond GCSE in England. In contrast, two thirds of students in France continue studying maths after 16.
Susan Anderson, the CBI's director of education and skills, said:
"Young people need to know that certain subjects - like maths and science - are highly prized by employers. Britain needs more people coming out of school, college and university with maths as part of their skills armoury. Maths gives young people confidence with numbers, a good grasp of statistics and problem-solving abilities. These are skills that people take with them through life and which make a real difference to their long-term career prospects".
Maths facts:
- Currently, only 9% of A-level entries are in maths, and less than half of those getting top A and A* grades in maths GCSE go on to do an A-level in the subject.
- A recent survey conducted by YouGov for the CBI shows 31% of graduates are not confident about their numeracy, and 34% felt that they would have benefited from further maths education at school. Among sixth formers, 26% were not confident about their maths and among undergraduates this was 30%.
- Half of employers are dissatisfied with the basic numeracy skills of school leavers, and a fifth are dissatisfied with graduates' numeracy skills, according to the CBI's latest employment trends survey.
- People with maths and science skills are in demand. Almost all firms, across all sectors, employ people with science, technology, engineering and maths qualifications.
- People with maths and science skills earn more. Starting salaries for science sector jobs can be as much as £32,000, putting them in the top 20% of starting salaries. People who did maths A-level earn around 10% more over their lifetime than those who did not.
Comments (1)
Posted by Get Ahead | October 2, 2009 8:33 AM
Hi
I don't think it's just maths skills that are lacking.
There are a number of key skills required by all office based professionals. They are a fundamental requirement for all those that wish to succeed at work in their career and want to get promoted. It is therefore somewhat surprising that these specific skills are rarely taught directly at school.
I have listed what I consider to be the other core, foundation skills together with a few handy hints.
1. Attitude
Attitude in this context is how you approach and undertake the tasks required of you.
Try to imagine what kind of employee you would want working for you. I think most people would want someone that was dedicated, hard working and that didn't moan. You must try and become more like this model employee.
2. Time management
It’s important to know which task to do next ie how to prioritise and make the most use of your time.
Failure to master this area will mean you spend your time working on urgent, unimportant tasks or helping someone else achieve their objectives.
3. Software Skills
You should always seek to improve your software skills in order to do you work more efficiently. There are no end of helpful shortcuts in Word, Excel and Outlook which means your work can be done in half the time.
Something worthwhile doing is learning to touch type. Buy a cheap teach-yourself typing programme and spend time learning. You'll get more work done in less time!
4. Memory
One of the key tools for any successful executive is a keen memory.
Imagine being able to rattle off the latest sales figures, to know all your key clients and quote relevant facts and figures at will. Who wouldn't want an employee like that !
Well it is possible but (and no surprises here) it takes effort.
5. Keep Up to date
Whatever field you are in, it's essential to keep up to date with the latest developments taking place. This applies at any level. For instance, if you work in Human Resources, it's important to keep up to date with the latest Employment Law changes.
Usually the best way to do this is to read; regularly review relevant publications, on- line material and any other appropriate literature you can get your hands on.
6. Seek Feedback
Feedback on your performance is like gold dust because it tells you if your on the right track and whether your efforts are focussed in the most appropriate way.
I've lost count of the number of times people faced with constructive criticism become defensive. Why?
7. Self analysis
Constantly analyse your own performance. Ask yourself at the end of each day how you can improve.
8. Act as If
When looking to get promoted or to progress in your position it's important that you act and behave as if you have already achieved the promotion.
By developing and mastering these core, foundation skills, your own work performance and productivity will increase. You’re far more likely to be recommended for promotion.
Fortunately there’s wealth of supporting information out there. Check out http://www.getahead.co.nr/ as an example.
Posted on October 2, 2009 08:33