Education and Skills Secretary Charles Clarke has launched a competition to select the top five life skills that all young people should be able to master by the age of 16. What do you think? Post your comments below. If you can decide on five, send them in to the competition, it closes on January 31st 2003.

Charles Clarke said: "As many parents know, their children can tell them all about botulism and proteins from their food technology lessons but they might find it hard to put together a square family meal without help. We need to have a national debate about the core practical skills our young people need to learn to equip themselves for independent adult life. I'd say that changing a fuse, giving basic first aid and organising a holiday journey are all pretty essential - but I want to hear from the public, young and old, to get your views. We need to make sure young people have the skills to be safe, healthy and useful citizens in their adult lives."

Sample suggestions from the DfES:

wiring a plug/ changing a lightbulb or fuse
sewing a button on
administering basic first aid
writing a cv/ letter of application
opening and running a bank account/ basic budgeting
cooking a simple meal
using a washing machine
renting a flat
booking a holiday abroad with insurance
making a journey with two modes of transport
putting a shelf up
ironing a long sleeved shirt
cleaning a bathroom
working the central heating system
decorating a room
mowing the lawn/ basic gardening
putting up curtains
knowing where to find basic information

What would your choice be? What skills do young people often lack, and suffer from lacking? Post your own suggestions below!