Commenting on the announcement of a new Careers and Enterprise Company by Education Secretary Nicky Morgan, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber, said:
“The gulf between the world of education and the world of work has never been wider, with far too many Norfolk firms saying that young people are unprepared for work due to inadequate careers advice.
“Nicky Morgan is absolutely right to be focusing the government’s attention – and real financial resources – on the critical transition from school to the workplace.
“However, business does not want to revert back to the old, tired form of careers advice in schools that served our young people so poorly for decades. The government’s Careers and Enterprise Company needs to focus on getting businesses into the heart of our schools, so that young people can make informed choices as they enter the world of work. Its investments should seek to ensure that all schools, not just a self-selected few, work hand-in-hand with local firms to inspire and inform young people about their career options.
“As a Chambers of Commerce we already play a pivotal role linking businesses with schools. The gap between education and business is wide, but we are committed to bringing them together – so that young people can aspire to great careers, and so that Norfolk firms can get the local talent they so desperately need.”
