OECD report must be a wake up call for the UK

3rd December 2013

Commenting on the OECD's latest PISA survey on the state of global education, John Wastnage, Skills Policy Adviser at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:   -These results are not a surprise but should be a wake up call, and reinforce the urgency of giving young people in this country the skills to compete in a global economy.

We support the government's drive to enhance academic rigour, but it can only be a part of the solution. We need to see better careers education in schools and more engagement with employers so that young people know what options are available to them when they leave education.   -This will also help to improve softer, employability skills, such as good communication and team working, which are equally vital to success in the workplace. Young people should leave the education system with a career direction that is relevant to them, realistic expectations about entry level jobs, and the attitude, passion and skills that employers are looking for.