A poll of over a 1,000 employers suggests the government must do more to boost skills training.

Almost two thirds (60 per cent) of UK employers feel the UK government does not do enough to support skills education.

Nearly three quarters (72 per cent) said they viewed vocational qualifications as essential for preparing young people for work.

Over 1,000 employers were quizzed for qualification provider City and Guilds and skills charity Edge Foundation.

The government said its reforms to apprenticeships were putting “employers in the driving seat”.

Researchers questioned recruitment managers at a range of small, medium and large businesses in a variety of sectors across the UK.

Over half (53 per cent) said they valued vocational qualifications in prospective employees above academic attainment.

Some 78 per cent agreed that young people who preferred practical learning need a better alternative route to A-levels.

An overwhelming 83per cent said young people needed better advice on the career options open to them.

Some 84 per cent also agreed that pupils needed more robust work experience while they were still at school.

The survey findings echo widespread concerns that vocational education can too often be of low quality, too short and fail to lead to jobs or further study.

More than two years ago a review of vocational qualifications by Prof. Alison Wolf recommended a wholesale overhaul.

And last year a review of apprenticeships for the government by entrepreneur Doug Richard recommended that they should last for at least a year and genuinely prepare trainees in a new role.