Date: 25 August 2006 21:08

CONNEXIONS DISPUTES EMPLOYERS' GCSE CLAIMS

Careers service Connexions has rejected suggestions that young people with 
fewer then five GCSEs at grades C or above are unemployable.

A recent survey by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) indicated that 22% 
of employers wouldn't offer a job to young people with fewer than 5 good 
GCSEs.

 However, Sheila Bowler, Information, Advice, Guidance and Education Manager 
of Connexions said the reports were misleading: "There have always been some 
sectors with higher entry requirements than others, and although good GCSEs 
will improve young people's employability prospects, it is not true to say 
that those who have not achieved five good GCSEs by the age of 16 will not 
get into employment or training."

The Employer Services team at Connexions, which works like an employment 
agency for young people, speaks to businesses in Cambridgeshire on a daily 
basis to source jobs. Lesley Keal, Employer Services Team Leader, added: 
"Some employers ask for GCSEs but others, especially smaller businesses, 
think that the attitude and competencies of the young person are more 
important than whether they have GCSEs or not. We certainly don't find that 
all employers are demanding five Cs."

"Some young people will be disappointed with their GCSE grades and some may 
be well advised to retake, but there are also good opportunities out there 
which don't require five Cs. Employability is as much to do with having the 
right attitude and wanting to learn new skills. Connexions can help young 
people find their best career pathway and has some great vacancies which 
don't require 5 Cs," she added.

Young people aged 16 to 19 who would like help to find a job or want to 
discuss their options can call Connexions free on 0800 56 13219. There are 
Connexions centres in Central Library, Lion Yard, Cambridge; Ely Library, 
The Cloisters; The Priory Centre, St Neots; St Benedict's Court, Huntingdon; 
and Stermyn Street, Wisbech.

John Reynolds