Young people are increasingly ill-prepared for the workforce, lack basic skills in communication and critical thinking.

This was revealed at an education consultation forum which was attended by employers, tertiary institutes and the Education Ministry yesterday.

The forum was held to find out how young graduates are coping in the workforce once they leave universities

Some employers shared their experiences – new recruits can’t use proper English and most using shortcuts in typing.

Acting Permanent Secretary for Education – Basundra Kumar says the Ministry for its part has enough language teachers, and there’s no reason why the level of communication has deteriorated.

“Currently the level of English is based on the English curriculum that is provided in schools. It is through the examination system that we are able to rate English. The projects are done in English. Every teacher talks in English to students and every subject is in English, therefore we feel that students understand the level of English.”

At the end of the forum, all stakeholders are expected to agree on issues they want to be brought before the Education Minister for action.