Member Article

A-level success praised by business leaders

The region’s business leaders heaped praise on A-Level candidates across the North East who were celebrating their results yesterday.

Ross Smith, North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) head of policy, said: “These candidates are the brightest talent in our region and are the future of the North East, they deserve congratulations on these fantastic results. NECC hopes these school leavers recognise the fantastic opportunities that exist in universities and companies from all sectors in the North East. It is incumbent on local businesses to capture that talent and to make the most of it as we look to grow our regional economy futher.”

The Confederation of British Industries congratulated students, but stressed their warning from earlier this week that too few are studying physics and chemistry to address a growing shortage of scientists and engineers.

Sarah Green, Regional Director, CBI North East, said: “Employers congratulate students and their teachers on today’s results – their hard work is well worth it. A-levels are highly rated by firms as an indicator of ability and commitment, and they are the gateway to the graduate skills that employers are crying out for.

“Businesses are far more worried about the low numbers studying chemistry, physics and maths than they are about the grade inflation debate. We are facing a growing skills shortage in these areas that has serious implications for the future health of our economy.

“Both maths and chemistry have rallied from their low points in recent years, but neither is seeing the interest they enjoyed less than a decade ago, and the economy needs far more young people with these skills. “The sharp increase in maths this year is really pleasing, and we hope that momentum will accelerate further.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .