The man running a ‘hothouse’ programme to skill the nation is warning young people not to ‘stumble zombie-like towards higher education’ – but consider an apprenticeship for a ‘rewarding career’.
The message – from Dr Neil Bentley, CEO of WorldSkills UK – is aimed at stimulating parents and pupils to consider all the options before making crucial decisions about their future education and employment.
WorldSkills UK and its Team UK, comprising what are described as ‘the 34 most talented skilled young people in the country’, are heading to Abu Dhabi in October to compete in the WorldSkills Finals, (described as the ‘skills Olympics’), against their peers from 76 other nations.
Dr Neil Bentley, chief executive of WorldSkills UK, (who is former deputy director general of the CBI) said: “We need to act now to get anywhere near the UK’s requirements for skilled young people once freedom of movement comes to an end.
“With UK industry and services crying out for skills – and the end of freedom of movement due to Brexit, recruitment has to be on a military scale.
“There are thousands of terrific careers on offer with entry points for people of all different abilities.”
“The culture of our country, ill-informed prejudices and poor careers advice means that the system is still failing many young people – and British business.
“Parents and pupils must be able to make informed decisions at such a crucial time.
“Apprentices are the new achievers of Generation Z – they are not encumbered with debt and are in a position to earn a wage premium throughout a rewarding and stable career.”
Tens of thousands of training and apprenticeship openings will be unveiled at The Skills Show at the NEC in November (16-18), which is powered by WorldSkills UK to inspire the next generation – and link young people directly to industry and training providers.
The WorldSkills International Finals take place October 14-19 in Abu Dhabi. Follow Team UK on @worldskillsuk
