Employers must do more to engage with young people about the world of work, a survey of 14 and 15-year-olds has suggested.
A poll of about 1,800 pupils starting their GCSEs showed more than half had not had an employer presentation at school.
Of those that had, 18% felt they gained little from it and 12% were put off by what they were shown, reports BBC News Online.
Recruitment advertising agency TMP Worldwide said that while it was easy to criticise schools and universities about skills shortages, employers could do more to communicate what sorts of skills were required.
“It seems clear that there is real enthusiasm and interest by students even at Year 10 stage for careers and employment information,” said Neil Harrison, TMP’s planning director.
“However, it seems equally clear that neither employers nor teachers are communicating effectively with this age group.”
The CBI said employers do recognise they have a role to play and many companies provide work experience opportunities to school students.
