Partnerships between schools and businesses, a key issue for firms across Bristol, can have significant benefits, according to the results of a national survey of education chiefs and company bosses.
Some 3,500 teaching staff and business leaders took part in the research run by the British Chambers of Commerce – with the vast majority (88%) of education leaders saying employer engagement had led to improved outcomes for their pupils.
However, there were still issues to overcome on both sides, the research showed – a finding echoed by Bristol business leaders.
Other benefits included increased motivation in lessons (73%) and better careers information (53%). But among the factors holding back further improvements, businesses cited staff time (53%) and cost (38%) while 42% of educators identified a lack of interest from business.
Business West – the region’s largest business organisation and a member of the British Chambers of Commerce – said with youth unemployment still way above average unemployment and pre-recession levels, the research showed more had to be done to strengthen engagement between business and education.
Business West managing director Phil Smith said: “Ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement last month we highlighted that the skills gap is a national embarrassment and called for more government intervention to address this issue.
“There are already some great examples of effective school and business partnerships across the South West, but this survey shows that a greater push is needed from both sides if we are to overcome the barriers which both education and business face.
“It’s time for business and education to work together and make skills shortages a thing of the past.”
Ian Bell, executive director of Bath Chamber of Commerce and Business West’s Initiative in Bath & North East Somerset, added: “Our members have been very active in bridging the gap between the academic world and the world of work, forging excellent relations with schools, our college and universities. But this survey shows just how important those links are and we must try to do even more.
“That means spending time and resources to make sure things like work experience placements are valuable for both the business and the young people. There’s no getting away from the fact that there is a cost implication, but it could be one of the best investments any company makes if it boosts the talent pool for the future.”
Earlier this year the British Chambers of Commerce launched the ‘Your Future’ programme of 250 careers events across the country. The first event in Bristol last month gave more than 100 students the chance to interview for apprenticeships and to find out more about a growing sector. These projects show that progress has been made, but there is still work to be done.
