A-levels: Why are we wasting tax payers' money? Options

[On the edge]

I agree with this. I was talking to a computer graphic designer awhile back. He was under contract at Vodafone. He was telling me that he recently had a few university graduates come to work for Vodafone (in the graphic design department). He told them what he wanted them to do and then left them to it, and came back a bit later on; they both were looking confused. They told him that what he wanted them to do they never had learnt at university. In fact, he was saying, they didn’t teach them that much. As they were on trial they were released. They made sure that in future the person they picked to come and work for them had a bit more experience.

There are many similar tales - such as the one a business colleague of mine keeps spouting 'I took on a couple of girls from 'name of local school' had good English A levels, but couldn't write letters for toffee'. When hearing such stories about new people in the workplace, I've generally found it to be management inadequacy coming out. Stop educating people and simply train them if you like - but please don't complain when you find that you are told what to do by French or German, indeed any non UK managers.

[Iommi]

For me, an education provides you the tools, training shows you how to put them to use.

[Sarah]

For me, an education provides you the tools, training shows you how to put them to use.

That sums it up very well.

[GMR]

For me, an education provides you the tools, training shows you how to put them to use.

I agree. That is exactly what I told my daughter when she went to University. 'You've got the foundations, now you shall learn the rest from the University of life.... that is when real experience and knowledge starts to kick in.