Britain must learn from Germany, says PM

By JOE CHURCHER AND TIM SCULTHORPE
Published on 08/12/2012 02:20

Britain must learn lessons from Germany if it is to plug a skills deficit that threatens the future competitiveness of industry, David Cameron has said.

He urged schools, colleges and businesses to take a “more Germanic approach” following in the footsteps of chancellor Angela Merkel’s government by consulting on what skills were most needed in the next generation. The Prime Minister spoke out after being challenged on a visit to a car parts plant over what he was doing to ensure UK firms could compete.

“We need frankly to have a more Germanic approach to that skills deficit. I think we will crack it but it will take time.”

Action is required to address a decline in the numbers of pupils taking subjects such as science and technology, he said.