Federation of Small Business persuades A-Level students to consider entrepreneurship in an attempt to close the skills gap
The organisation has reminded students that starting a business is a credible alternative to expensive university degrees and nine to five graduate jobs.
FSB Education Chairman Norman Mackel said, “After 3 years of exams, A-Level students can feel like they are on a production line with university and conventional employment the next steps in the process.
“But the world of work has changed significantly over the last few years and young people really do have a choice. More and more people, at different stages in their lives, are seeing self employment as the more attractive option.”
The FSB’s position underlines worrying trends felt elsewhere. The British Chamber of Commerce has already expressed concerns regarding the government’s target of getting 50 per cent of students into higher education.
An economic survey carried out by the BCC found that over the last ten years the number of employers experiencing difficulties finding people with the right skills has doubled.
Bill Midgley, President of the British Chambers of Commerce, said, “We wish ‘A’ level students the best of luck with their results but it is important that students, including the brightest, consider all options available to them and not simply head straight to university.”
The government’s 50 per cent target has been widely criticised with university drop-out rates increasing.
In the light of such concerns Mr Mackel emphasised the realistic alternatives available to young people,
“Being your own boss is a great aspiration for young people and there is plenty of assistance available to help turn a good idea into reality.
“Entrepreneurship is about seizing new opportunities and taking risks which is why it is so vital to the economy and what makes it such an exciting career choice.”
