Students need to be more prepared to face the realities of work, according to new findings emerging from a number of roundtable events hosted by recruitment giant Adecco Group.

The events explored how employers, government and individuals can best work together to challenge current thinking, drive economic growth and unlock Britain’s potential.

The key findings of the events, attended by representatives from the TUC, the Federation of Small Businesses, Westminster Kingsway College, Henley Business School, Deloitte, Lloyds Banking Group and Intellect, will feed into a 10-point action plan to be put to government at a major conference in February next year.

With youth unemployment close to record highs, addressing the mismatch between what some see as a narrow, results-driven education system and the broader life skills that employers want to see from those leaving school, college or university alongside their qualifications was considered vital in today’s highly competitive jobs market.

Chris Moore, managing director of Adecco Group Solutions, says: “In this country we have one of the best education systems in the world, which is why huge numbers of international students come here to study.

“But we should always be looking for ways to improve and one of the key issues that delegates at our events identified was the perceived lack of focus on helping young people translate their qualifications into successful careers. There was a strong feeling that there should be much greater emphasis on ensuring students leave the education system more rounded and better prepared for the world of work.”