Knowledge Centre
21st September 2009
Business needs to take more responsibility for funding higher education, according to a new report by the CBI.
The business group is highlighting what it says are "tough choices" for the UK's higher education sector if it wants to maintain competitiveness in the face of recession and competition from abroad.
Stronger together - businesses and universities in turbulent times says that current funding levels are unsustainable as student numbers increase and public funding faces a lean period.
The solution, it claims, is for business to sponsor students who study subjects identified by the CBI as being "relevant to business" - such as those focusing on science and technology.
Firms should also offer bonuses to graduates when they start work, and offer more placements and work experience for those still studying.
Meanwhile, students should pay more for their loans and accept higher tuition fees.
CBI director-general Richard Lambert said that business should engage more with universities, to "design and pay for courses for the benefit of the current and future workforce".
However, the suggestions have drawn criticism from the National Union of Students (NUS).
President Wes Streeting told BBC Four's today Programme that the CBI's answers were too simplistic.
He pointed to a 'graduate tax' endorsed by the NUS which would see progressive contribution over a 25-year period, with those who earned more as a result of their degrees paying more in tax.
"Those who cash in financially as a result of their degree should contribute," he said.
And although he agreed that more students should be taking up STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects, Streeting highlighted what he called the "outdated" and "elitist" view of the CBI that these traditional courses of study are the only ones of benefit to employers and students.
"The idea that these are somehow the only economically-useful subjects is really bizarre," he added.
IMAGE Paul Faith/PA Wire</em
Business and students must pay more for university - CBI
The business group is highlighting what it says are "tough choices" for the UK's higher education sector if it wants to maintain competitiveness in the face of recession and competition from abroad.
Stronger together - businesses and universities in turbulent times says that current funding levels are unsustainable as student numbers increase and public funding faces a lean period.
The solution, it claims, is for business to sponsor students who study subjects identified by the CBI as being "relevant to business" - such as those focusing on science and technology.
Firms should also offer bonuses to graduates when they start work, and offer more placements and work experience for those still studying.
Meanwhile, students should pay more for their loans and accept higher tuition fees.
CBI director-general Richard Lambert said that business should engage more with universities, to "design and pay for courses for the benefit of the current and future workforce".
However, the suggestions have drawn criticism from the National Union of Students (NUS).
President Wes Streeting told BBC Four's today Programme that the CBI's answers were too simplistic.
He pointed to a 'graduate tax' endorsed by the NUS which would see progressive contribution over a 25-year period, with those who earned more as a result of their degrees paying more in tax.
"Those who cash in financially as a result of their degree should contribute," he said.
And although he agreed that more students should be taking up STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects, Streeting highlighted what he called the "outdated" and "elitist" view of the CBI that these traditional courses of study are the only ones of benefit to employers and students.
"The idea that these are somehow the only economically-useful subjects is really bizarre," he added.
IMAGE Paul Faith/PA Wire</em
Tags: Education & skills
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