The CBI today described the ALI's report on training for work as a 'wake-up call' to the Government and all other agencies. The employers' organisation stressed that the quality of training young people receive for employment should rival that in Germany and other competitor countries.

Commenting on the fact that 60 per cent of provision was inadequate, Margaret Murray, CBI Head of Learning and Skills, said: "UK employers already spend £23 billion on training each year, some of it just to get their employees up to basic standard. Employers expect the education and training system to deliver young people whom they'd be keen to recruit and retain, but parts of the system are failing. There are many examples of excellence in the apprenticeship scheme but they need to be much more widespread."

She added: "The system is also failing the many young people who opt for vocational training rather than A-levels, but are ill-informed and ill-prepared. Tackling the quality of careers advice in schools and eradicating problems with the basics of literacy and numeracy among young people are essential."