Scotland has been particularly successful in developing links between education and business. An independent evaluation by ER Consultants of the Glasgow Education Business Partnership last year found ''levels of positive feedback from employers are high compared to other EBPs in our UK study''.

Further research by the partnership showed that the total of young people taking part was 277% of the number only three years earlier, the total of teachers was 559% and of employers 220%.

All secondary schools, most further education colleges and a growing number of primary schools were involved in projects, which required 3530 business volunteers each year.

Schools are offered a structured Job Preparation programme which includes mock interviews in school or the workplace, presentations from employers and sessions on writing letters and completing application forms.

Dunbartonshire's Partnership is working with more than 4000 young people, 400 companies and more than 150 schools and colleges.

Kevin O'Sullivan, principal of a local accountancy firm and chairman of the Dunbartonshire and Lomond Education Business Partnership, gives a significant amount of unpaid time to the board.

His company takes on two pupils a year from local schools for work experience and his employees are encouraged to be active in helping to develop business education.