YOUNG people want more input from employers to help them decide on future careers and develop their basic skills.

These are the findings of a survey of 14 and 15-year-old pupils, which showed more than half had never had a presentation from an employer at school.

However, recruitment communications firm TMP Worldwide, which carried out the study, found only 11 per cent of those surveyed felt too young to have "firm career ideas".

Nick Smith, marketing and fundraising officer at Kent Works, the organisation that links business and education in the county, said: "Employers often complain about students lacking basic skills and knowledge of the workplace, but the only way young people can learn is by companies taking an active interest, visiting schools and offering work experience placements.

"This survey suggests that young people are genuinely interested in learning more about the workplace.

"Our activities are designed to help students gain skills such as working in a team, time-keeping and communication, discover which business sector they are best suited to and what might be involved in reaching their goals."