According to a recent survey, more than 50 percent of graduate employers state that the majority of newly employed graduates are simply not up to the task.
<p>Concerns that universities are not preparing students with important skills such as the ability to communicate clearly, work in teams, and manage their time will likely be fuelled by these findings. </p>
<p>The study, conducted by <a href="https://yougov.co.uk/opi/"; target="_blank" title="yougov.co.uk - new windw">YouGov</a> in an effort to mark the launch of the latest Good University Guide, included 635 senior managers, 419 of whom are graduate recruiters. Approximately 52% of these individuals claim that no or very few recruits are work ready. </p>
<p>The findings also suggest that the millions of pounds spent in augmenting degrees with programmes to equip students with life skills may be ineffective. </p>
<p>'University prospectuses are now full of programmes and initiatives promising to give students more than just a degree,” explains Alistair McCall, an editor at the Good University Guide. </p>
<p> “They say they will equip students with the skills they need to make them more attractive to employers,” he goes on to say. </p>
<p>YouGov’s survey indicates that a better investment in preparing students for the workforce is desperately needed. Today, typical degrees cost £27,000 in tuition fees, therefore students have the right to expect to be as best prepared as possible. </p>
<p>Additionally, the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) revealed that one out of five students are not in gainful employment six months after graduating from some UK universities – not for lack of job opportunities but due to lack of skills. </p>