School leavers ‘lack motivation, ethics’

Press, 27 January 1988, Page 40

School leavers ‘lack motivation, ethics’

PA Wellington School leavers are poorly motivated and lack good work ethics, commonsense, honesty and loyalty to their employers, according to a recent survey of Porirua businesses. More than 100 businesses, employing a total of 5958 workers, took part in the survey, organised by the Porirua Business Development Council to identify skills shortages and training needs in the area.

Lack of motivation and work ethics among school leavers and young people in general was one of the strongest and most clearly identified criticisms from all types of employers, according to the survey.

Other areas criticised were the level of reading, writing and basic mathematics, as well as “people skills” of communication and staff relations. The businesses said their greatest employment needs for the future were “switched on” people with communications skills who were well presented, reliable, honest and loyal,

and who were capable of being trained in their chosen fields. The survey covered a range of employers, including manufacturers, retailers, hospitality businesses, Government departments and local authorities. About 64 per cent of businesses (75) said they were expanding, 34 per cent (40) said they were stable, and 2 per cent said they were declining. About two-thirds (66) said management was satisfied with the level of skills in their existing workforce, while 37 per cent said they were dissatisfied. Some employers wanted a locally based training school or courses developed in colleges to encourage more young people into trades such as mechanics, electrics and electronics. More business skills were wanted in such areas as communications, customer relations and cash handling. One manufacturer foresaw less need for unskilled people in future job projections, so courses developed must be rela-

tive to required skills and job vacancies. More computer analysts, for example, were seen as needed than programmers, electricians, chefs and qualified or part-qualified accountants.

The survey noted that some businesses which needed more trained personnel seemed reluctant to provide expensive training programmes, reward staff for competence, or upgrade working conditions. Yet a constant turnover of staff was costly and did not relate well to job continuity and good public relations. A total of 1455 job vacancies was projected over the next five years, allowing for staff turnover and new job creations. These included 404 clerical positions, 282 trades, 223 supervisors, 157 management positions, 100 accountants, 60 technical and 329 other. The results of the survey are to be used to provide future direction for skills and training courses at Parumoana Community Polytechnic.