A new generation of school-leavers entering the employment pool have a good level of knowledge regarding IT and computing, but lack basic knowledge in maths and English, according to new reports.
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) reports that many young people do not have strong numerical and linguistic skills upon leaving school, despite a good understanding of IT.
A poll found that nine out of ten employers are happy with the IT skills of school-leavers, but agree that their basic knowledge of maths and English leaves something to be desired. More than half of all respondents were unhappy with fundamental maths and English skills.
These results have prompted concern over the number of GCSE students achieving the employers' benchmark in basic skills and the impact this may have on employment in the future. In particular, it is feared that lacking basic skills could leave many young people unable to function in a modern workplace.
"The challenge ahead is for schools to channel that same enthusiasm [as in IT] into numeracy and literacy skills," commented Richard Lambert, CBI director-general.
Research from e-skills shows that UK IT professionals are among the best trained in Europe.
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