If companies want school leavers ready for work, give them some experience

George K Yule calls for more links between schools and employers to provide role models

It’s imperative that industry and education collaborate to ensure that future generations of school leavers receive balanced learning from experienced role models, whose legacy of knowledge needs to be captured, ring-fenced and shared with those entering the workplace for the first time.

There is no substitute for knowledge earned. But learning from those who have ‘been through it’ will at least prepare those willing to listen with an insight on what lies ahead.

Academic excellence alone is unlikely to secure successful careers and well-paid jobs if unaccompanied by a desire to succeed and the drive to overcome challenge. Nor will textbooks alone install the necessary hunger and ambition into school leavers needed to deliver sustainable success for Scotland plc.

Educational organisations nationally need to formally connect more closely with the private sector to identify those role models – at all levels – whose experiences will add value to the youngsters’ all round knowledge and awareness

Every school ought to have a number of formal relationships with businesses in their area and allocate sufficient curriculum time for guest lectures from industry. Giving children a realistic insight to industry will motivate and encourage them to achieve greatness at every level, whilst also ensuring they understand that ‘reward’ only precedes ‘work’