Several employers are calling for the introduction of a compulsory gap year after the Leaving Cert, it has been reported.

According to the Irish Independent, many businesses feel students are not prepared for life in the workplace after being spoon-fed information throughout their school lives.

A review compiled by the Irish Business and Employers Confederation suggested that pupils could develop their skills by working on a voluntary basis in the community for a year.

"Employers say they need lifelong learners who are inquisitive, bold, self-reliant, ideas-driven, socially effective, problem solvers, environmentally and socially aware, team workers and capable of long-term and strategic thinking," the newspaper noted.

Tim Boland, chief executive of the Higher Education Authority, told the Irish Times earlier this year that many students find the transition between secondary school and university difficult.

Written by Fiona Mayers

Comments