Employers now have a pool of over 65,000 new construction, engineers and health and care professionals who today alongside A-Level students, received their BTEC results.

BTECs are equivalent to two a-level qualifications and equip young school-leavers with the skills to become the key workers of tomorrow, at a time they are needed them most.

Having survived the academic year during a global pandemic, these students have gained skills and traits that employers should put more emphasis on in the recruitment process says Alissa Dhaliwal, CBI Head of Education and Skills.

 “Whether they choose to enter the world of work or pursue further study, students should remember grades only tell part of the story. Employers highly value traits like resilience, creative flair and a positive attitude.

“It’s one of the hardest times in generations to join the world of work. Developing these characteristics will help young people build rewarding, long-lasting careers.”

With concerns being raised over the validity of the 2020 grading system, employers should instead concentrate on looking for the transferable traits, work experience or skills that the candidates may have.

In 2020, the Government will begin to rollout T-Levels: a two-year course including a work placement, which is equivalent to three A-levels. The rise of vocational education will be a triumph for employers, as school-leavers will not only have the necessary qualifications, but also valuable workplace skills, rather than one or the other. Dhaliwal said: “Despite the immense challenges they face, businesses want to help build a system that truly values academic and technical education equally.

“The rollout of T-Levels in England next month will open up even more routes for students to get on the career ladder.  And with apprenticeships, traineeships and the Kickstart scheme also coming up in the Autumn, employers across the UK will need government guidance on how to navigate the system and choose what’s best for their business.”