SCHOOLS need to work closely with business to ensure students have relevant skills, according to a Black Country Chamber of Commerce member.

Commenting on the recent A level results, Martin Dudley, managing director of Thomas Dudley Ltd and chair man of the Chamber 's skills policy group, said: “Students and teachers across the UK deserve to be congratulated for achieving a strong set of academic results.

"Businesses will applaud the increased take-up in science and maths, subjects that are vital for the success of the UK economy.

"However, the continued decrease in the take-up of foreign languages is a worrying trend as many businesses report that there is a skills gap in this area.

“The halting of continuous grade inflation will also help to restore business confidence in A levels.

“Despite strong academic results, youth unemployment remains persistently high and action must be taken to ensure young people are attractive candidates to employers looking to hire.

"Young people should leave the education system with a career direction that is relevant to them and the skills and attitude that employers want.

“Pupils should be more exposed to local businesses during their schooling as this is one of the best ways to learn about local labour market demands and opportunities.

"Better careers education from primary school age, compulsory work experience placements and employer visits in schools and colleges will equip students with the best possible chances of finding employment.

“We are constantly being presented with barriers in terms of engaging with schools and are disappointed with the lack of careers advice.

"We have created our own portal called Careers in the Classroom to help young people understand how they can identify the kinds of careers they can aspire to.

"Many Chamber members are engaging with schools as governors and by organising visits. In Dudley we are developing ways of delivering more effective work experience.”

The Chamber's president, Ninder Johal, said: “It seems that it is up to individual businesses to engage with schools on an ad hoc basis. At the Chamber we are trying to co-ordinate such activities to ensure that schools better understand what employers need.

"A good education in maths, English, ICT and a modern foreign language is essential but we also want young people who can work with others, communicate effectively and have enough drive to help businesses grow.”