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More technical education funding key to future competitiveness, say London businesses

London business leaders have provided a damning verdict on the quality of the UK’s technical education according to a new poll by London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

The survey, which was conducted by ComRes on behalf of LCCI, found that 70% of respondents believed the quality of technical education in the UK was not good enough, highlighting long held fears that the country’s workforce is simply not suited to the current and future requirements of industry.

Of the 530 London business leaders surveyed between 23 May and 19 June this year, 82% said they also thought funding for technical education should be increased in an effort to pressure more action from the government on the issue.

The findings have led LCCI to call on the government to guarantee more high-quality work placements for students studying in technical subjects and for a prioritisation of the new ‘T-Levels’ in digital and technical areas to ensure the future UK workforce is equipped to deal with the demands of UK industry.

LCCI Chief Executive, Colin Stanbridge, believes the findings show a ‘real need’ for strong technical skills in the workforce, a need that is currently not being met by current levels of funding or education.

Meanwhile, in light of Brexit and the potential exodus of European workers, the importance of UK workers filling the country’s skills gap has perhaps never been greater.

Stanbridge added: “We also know that employers are struggling to recruit sufficiently skilled workers across the board, and that many European workers are leaving the UK ahead of Brexit.

“The upshot is while we do very much still need EU migrants in the London workforce, we also need to be providing an improved level of technical education and inevitably that will require and increased level of funding.”