The chief executive of Virgin Trains has called for degrees and A-levels to be taught in the workplace rather than in schools. 

 Tony Collins made the statement in an interview with the The Daily Telegraph yesterday. 

Mr Collins told the Telegraph that a "radical" solution was needed to plug Britain's skills shortages. He said there was a mismatch between the UK's education system and the business world, with many school leavers and graduates looking for a job without relevant, employable skills. 

He said teaching degrees and A-levels at work could solve the problem. That way, he says, employers could make sure that was being taught was actually helping improve the job prospects of the student, while pupils would get work experience as well as a qualification. 

Mr Collins argues this approach would solve the "catch 22" of young people applying for jobs fresh out of university but getting turned down because they have no experience. 

Mr Collins added: “There is a disjoint between industry and schools – there is almost a wall between us. We should teach A-levels and degrees in business. A degree takes about three years, with lessons accounting for half that time, so we should teach some lessons in industry. The student then has three years' worth of work experience.” 

Mr Collins also went on to say that industry chiefs should have involvement in the setting and marking of exam papers to ensure what was taught was relevant to business. 

Posted by Beth O’Shea

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