Young people are leaving school or college not feeling prepared for the world of work.

The results from the survey show that 49 per cent of young people believe that their education has not prepared them for the world of work.

The survey, carried out by polling company YouGov for the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) had more than 1,000 respondents aged 17- to 23-years-old.

It also found that just over half (55 per cent) of respondents have undertaken a work placement when at school or college and 22 per cent had visits from businesses to their school.

'Concerning'

CBI president John Allan said it was concerning that a quarter of young people do not know where to turn for good careers advice.

He added: “There is no lack of enthusiasm from business to get involved, too many still struggle to engage. That’s why it is essential that the CBI will keep working with the Careers and Enterprise Company to help bridge the divide.”

The Careers and Enterprise Company was slammed by the Commons Education Select Committee in May, with MPs calling it a “woeful waste of public money”, and questioning the use of the company’s £19 million annual budget.

Its chief executive Claudia Harris and chairperson Christine Hodgson will be appearing before the committee again next Wednesday as part of an accountability session.