A GENERATION of young technicians is being lost because of poor-quality careers advice in schools, a Merseyside MP warned last night.

Esther McVey, Conservative MP for Wirral West, raised the alarm over failings that meant some young people were missing out on the basis of “where they live or which school they attend”.

The MP accused Labour of concentrating advice on so-called “NEETs” – young people not in education, employment or training – at the expense of better-qualified pupils.

And she called for reassurance the rising number of apprenticeship places and other training schemes could offer “the same high status as attending university”.

Pointing to failings in advice about opportunities in science, Ms McVey told MPs: “We are losing talent – valuable talent. Reports come back to me that we have lost a generation of young technicians.

“Industry is crying out for those posts to be filled.

“These are jobs that are not being taken up, employment gaps that are not being filled at a time of high youth unemployment. So many opportunities wasted.

“Every student should be given the best opportunity to pursue subjects and interests which best suit their talents and aspirations.”