Work in progress

Work in progress

·</B> Mike Tomlinson, chairman of the Working Group for Educational Reform, is urging business leaders from different sectors to tell him what they want from the secondary education system.

Following figures from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) suggesting that there will be 2m more highly skilled jobs in the UK by 2010, Tomlinson says that to avoid falling behind other industrialised economies it is imperative that "our proposals reflect the needs and concerns of businesses, both large and small representing many different industries".

The consultation, which closes on May 11, was set-up to make recommendations on a new qualifications structure for 14-19 learning. To take part: visit 14-19reform.gov.uk/employers

· Only one out of 100 women in the London workforce chooses a career in manual trades. According to Building Your Future - a new report by business support organisation oneLondon for the Learning & Skills Council, London West - the failure to attract female workers is exacerbating the difficulties the capital faces as it seeks to complete major construction projects such as White City, Wembley and Heathrow's Terminal Five. For further information and copies of the report, contact oneLondon on 020 7403 0300 or email construction@one-london.com

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