EEF: Education system must include workplace exposure

Commenting on changes to the examination system that will essentially replace GCSEs with something more like the old O-level system, Steve Radley, director of policy at the manufacturers' organisation EEF, said employers would broadly welcome the need for greater rigour, particularly in English, maths and science, "having long complained that ever greater academic attainment levels have not produced young people with economically valuable skills ready to enter the workplace". Radley continued: "The future challenge will be to ensure that the new-style examinations do not lead to students being streamed too early and provide sufficient breadth and depth for all in whatever their future career may be - including those who will go on to high-quality apprenticeships in engineering. To do this, we will need at least 65% of students to achieve 5 GCSEs at A*- C grades including English and maths, and an increase of 25% in those studying STEM subjects beyond this point." Radley concluded that the benefits of the new qualifications will only be realised if accompanied by early and well-informed careers advice, as well as exposure to the world of work - something he argued was currently not sufficiently provided for during academic education.