MORE businesses must offer students a chance to experience the world of work if the skills shortage is to be tackled, according to East Lancashire education experts.

The East Lancashire Education Business Partnership (ELEBP) arranges work experience placements for 7,000 pupils aged between 14 and 16 each year, but says places are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

More than 95 per cent of employers who offer a place to one student find the experience so valuable they continue to provide places. However, some employers are reluctant to participate.

As well as a taste of a possible future career, young people who take part in work experience also gain an insight into skills needed in all work environments such as timekeeping, discipline and confidence.

The placement can also provide them with a valuable reference to give any future employer.

And as well as benefiting the community at large, employers can also reap the benefits of providing placements.

John Wright, works director at Ritherdon and Co Ltd in Darwen, which has taken between 10 and 12 students a year for 15 years, said: "The vast majority of the young people are great and the placement is useful for us as well as them. I have learnt a lot about how to interview young people, for instance. About 70 per cent of the students that come to us eventually apply for a job and we have taken a lot of them, including our most recent apprentice.

"Within a few days of people coming on placements they settle into the adult workplace environment and they learn a lot about real life."

Mohammed Aslam, from the Pendle Pakistani Welfare Organisation which has also provided placements for 15 years, said: "We give the young people a structured placement and they do valuable work for us, as well gaining confidence and learning the basics of being in the workplace."

Gaye Connelly, work experience manager at ELEBP said: "More companies are needed to provide placements across all sectors if we are to reduce the shortage of skilled workers. Many employers are wary about the Health and Safety regulations, but they don't have to do anything extra and we will provide any support they need."

Anyone interested in getting involved in work experience can call Gaye on 01254 350000.