HER company is an export leader, a champion of good training and practice and past Fenland Business of the Year.

So when Nicola Rose, its HR manager, warns we’re failing to prepare local youngsters for the work place then perhaps it’s time to listen.

Nicola Rose is human resources manager for Christchurch-based Fenland Leisure Products and delivered a key note speech to last week’s Skills Summit in Wisbech.

Her company, like others, was finding it increasingly difficult to recruit local people because of “strong failings” in applications and at interviews.

Her complaints included:

* Forms incomplete

* Coffee stained

* Missed deadlines

* Late for interviews

* Poor appearance and dress

* Swearing

* Lack of knowledge of company

She added: “We desperately need to see a bank of people ready to face the challenges of work. No young person should be left leaving school not knowing how to apply for work and what to expect at interview.”

Full report of the conference – part sponsored by the Wisbech Standard and Fenland District Council- is on page 16 of this week’s paper.

Available in newsagents’ on Friday.