EMPLOYERS must do more to enthuse young people about workplace opportunities, a new survey of 14 and 15-year-olds is suggesting. Recruitment communications firm TMP Worldwide polled 1,827 pupils starting their GCSEs and found that more than half had not

EMPLOYERS must do more to enthuse young people about workplace opportunities, a new survey of 14 and 15-year-olds is suggesting.

Recruitment communications firm TMP Worldwide polled 1,827 pupils starting their GCSEs and found that more than half had not had an employer presentation at school.

Of those who had, 18 per cent felt they gained little from it and 12 per cent were put off by what they saw and heard.

Figures also reveal that 11 per cent of those surveyed felt too young to have firm career ideas.

TMP Worldwide said that although schools and universities receive constant criticism over skills shortages among the younger generation, employers could do more to communicate their needs.

"It seems clear that there is real enthusiasm and interest by students even at Year 10 stage for careers and employment information," said Neil Harrison, TMP's planning director.

"However, it seems equally clear that neither employers nor teachers are communicating effectively with this age group.