Letter: How to attract the best and the brightest

Sir: David Bowen (27 September) asks: 'How do you attract the best and brightest people into industry . . and show them that it is not boring?' Our method is to put thousands of managers in front of post-16 students in curriculum time. These managers are enthusiastic about their companies, their products and their ability to compete internationally. Their enthusiasm is given practical expression through the use of participative exercises and we monitor very closely the reaction of both students and teachers.

We shall be at the CBI/Independent conference on 20 October and will join in the debate. However, what is really needed is for people to come to us with an American-style approach, addressing the provision of time, people and money. Then we can give all students the answer to David Bowen's questions.

Yours faithfully,

ANTONY WOOD

Director

Understanding Industry

London, SEI