CMI to improve employability skills of young people

The Chartered Management Institute has doubled its efforts to make sure young people graduating from UK schools have basic management and leadership skills.

Recent research from the CMI has shown that 90 per cent of employers believe young people need basic skills training when they enter the world of work. In addition, eight out of ten think that young people should be given opportunities to develop management and team-leading skills at school level.

In attempts to improve this, Campus CMI, an employer-led programme for people between the ages of 14 and 21, has stepped up its plans to deliver qualifications around the UK. Team leading and first line management qualifications are being delivered throughout schools and colleges in Britain. The accredited qualifications aims to instil in the pupils the drive they need to take their career as far as possible.

To date, the scheme offering skills to pupils has increased by 55 per cent since September 2010, with a further 50 schools signing their students up to prepare them for the world of work. There have now been 5,000 qualifications that have been delivered across 150 schools in the country. The number of schools involved is expected to double by June 2012 - taking it to 300 in total.

Christopher Kinsella, acting chief executive at CMI, is eager to continue this trend. He said: "In a desperately difficult job market, we need to be doing everything we can to help young people, which is why I'm delighted that CMI has taken the initiative and that Campus CMI has proven so popular amongst staff, students and employers.

"There is no point talking about the problem unless you take steps to address it. The UK spends less on management training than its European counterparts, and by addressing this issue as early as possible; we can take vital steps to counter this deep-rooted failure."