Education and Employment: Closing the Gap

At Leapfrog, we produced our Guide to Job Success, covering CV writing, job applications, interview tips and workplace etiquette, in response to consistent feedback from clients recruiting at trainee/entry level. One comment that surfaces repeatedly:

“They’re just not prepared for the workplace.”

What Employers Are Telling Us

Some employers tell us that school leavers and graduates can lack what they consider basic workplace skills - professional communication, punctuality, attention to detail and a clear understanding of expectations. This concern is not unique to Guernsey. The CBI Education and Skills Survey (back in 2019) found that many employers believe young people lack “work readiness”, particularly in communication, problem-solving and self-management.

Are Academic Pathways Right for Everyone?

I know that schools carry an enormous responsibility. They balance academic achievement with pastoral care, classes requiring a variety of teaching methods, safeguarding and preparation for further education, often under significant pressure. It is a big challenge.

However, workplaces are having to adapt rapidly, and the skills required are changing. While academic pathways work well for many students, they do not suit everyone. Some young people may benefit from stronger vocational routes that combine practical experience with continued study, helping them see the relevance of what they are learning.

So, do we need more vocational pathways and earlier exposure to workplace environments? Personally, I would bring back the option to move into apprenticeships at 14 years old. Students would still complete the necessary qualifications, but I do not see the benefit of forcing some to remain in a learning environment that is not working (for either party) when they could be learning, earning and seeing first-hand the relevance and purpose of their studies.

Bridging the Gap Between Education and Business

To modernise the education system, educators, employers and young people themselves need to be involved in shaping it.

Do we need greater communication between schools and local businesses to truly understand “the gaps”? Yes, we do. Some schools are already proactive, but education as a whole need to communicate more closely with businesses to understand what is no longer relevant and, most importantly, what is missing.

Academic Grades Do Not Always Predict Workplace Success

After many years in recruitment, one thing is clear - academic grades do not always predict workplace success. It has been proved many times over that attitude, resilience, adaptability matter just as much.