Skills minister Matthew Hancock has called on employers to play a greater role in inspiring and motivating young people about the world of work to ensure skills are improved.

In a speech at the Future Talent conference in London yesterday, Hancock said his priority was to “bridge the divide” between academic and vocational education and close the gap between education and work.

“We must do everything we can to create a better skills system that gives everyone the chance to achieve – led by employers, linked to jobs, to develop the skills and knowledge that young people need to succeed and that employers need to open up the talent pools of the future,” he said.

Ensuring employers are more closely involved in designing, delivering and endorsing the qualifications young people take, as well as encouraging employers to connect with, motivate and inspire school leavers, will help raise expectations for what young people can achieve, he added.

“For too long, careers advice in this country has been too weak – characterised by a top-down approach that couldn’t keep up with the modern labour market, and couldn’t prepare young people properly to take their place in it.

“But we know that getting more business leaders and employers involved with schools and colleges has a positive effect on young people’s feelings about the world of work.”

Hancock has therefore urged employers to “invest in the workforce of tomorrow”, calling on organisations to expand the apprenticeship programme, support the new traineeships programme, or offer work experience and mentoring.

“This culture change is all about inspiring the next generation by connecting them with the world of work,” he added.

“It has started with employers interacting with young people in the classroom and giving them an insight into the workplace. But it certainly shouldn’t end there.

“We need inspiring organisations to step forward to try new ideas and innovative approaches.”