News and features

Fri, 15 May 2009

Employers 'have role to play in skills development'

BT recruitment expert wants employers to become more involved in the development of workplace skills.

An HR expert has said that employers should take some responsibility in ensuring that their future job candidates are equipped with the necessary skills.

Speaking to Personnel Today, head of apprentice recruitment at BT Paul Speer claimed that businesses have a duty to work alongside universities and other education providers to make people more employable.

He said that employers have an opportunity to "set the agenda" in making talented young people ready for the working environment.

"There's a definite role to play for employers. By engaging with various institutions they can talk about what they need and what they can offer in return," Mr Speer explained.

He admitted that employers would have to dedicate time and resources to getting involved with educational institutions, but claimed they would have to "bite the bullet" if they want to "ensure they have the skills for the future".

According to Mr Speer, many employers currently recruit academically-gifted job candidates who lack 'soft skills' such as communication, planning and problem solving, and therefore find it hard to adjust to the workplace.

He was speaking at the employability event hosted by Deloitte in London this week, when the accountancy firm launched its new Employability Skills Pledge.

Deloitte's employability initiative aims to see 800 teachers receive training to deliver employability courses in schools and colleges across the UK.

The firm has invested £2.6 million in the scheme so far and a further £1.2 million has been earmarked for 2012.

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