We are, undoubtedly, in a time where we need to be determined to succeed. We are all aware of the challenges that we face through globalisation, an unparalleled pace of change, all of the factors that have provided the script for seemingly endless versions of ÔShift HappensÕyoutube videos and its companion pieces. I have argued elsewhere that people who say that recession will last for some notional period of time are simply misleading us. If we, as a nation, are not competitive there will be no end to recession; it will become decline. In the short term, we need to be determined to succeed in other ways. We cannot accept a situation where we have high levels of youth unemployment whilst facing skills shortages and having vacancies that we cannot fill. We need people who are highly (and appropriately) skilled: that is why this book is so valuable. (David Cameron)
