Chamber News: Employers welcome A-level changes

The latest A-level results show an increase in young people studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Commenting on the results, Joanne Lynch, Chairwoman of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Employment and Skills Committee, said: “Firstly we offer our congratulations to all students across Greater Manchester who have received their results today. They are entering a rapidly evolving economy and we hope that they will take maximum advantage of the number of opportunities which will now present themselves.

“Employers across the region are welcoming the tougher marking approach brought in this year and particularly the continued increase in the number of our young people who are opting to study the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects. As advanced engineering and computer sciences become more important to the UK’s competitive advantage, these skills are in higher demand and offer greater career and earnings prospects than many other subjects, including financial services.

“We are still concerned that there is undue pressure on students to go directly to university as the default option. A degree can be hugely beneficial to a number of careers, but there are enormous benefits to moving directly into the workplace and developing a far wider range of skills than a purely academic course can offer.

"The opportunities for students to move into a vocational course are greater than for many years and the value both to the employee and employer of growing skills alongside a career is significant.

"The days of studying for a degree for its own sake should rightly be coming to an end and looking to the future it is more important than ever that schools, colleges and employers work together to ensure that our young people are encouraged to take the right path for them rather than fulfilling any societal norm.”