Most businesses believe Britain is facing a skills 'crisis' in areas such as technology and engineering - saying they have not detected any improvement for years, according to a new study.

Research by food giant Nestle found that a third of firms in the sectors believe the problem had worsened over the past five years.

A report said not enough young people were studying maths and science subjects to meet future demand for skilled workers.

But a survey of more than 300 youngsters aged 14 to 16 found that most would consider a career in industries linked to technology and engineering.

Half said they knew little or nothing about the types of jobs on offer, while many science and maths teachers were also in the dark about careers, said the report.

Peter Lewis, managing director of systems integration firm IAC Ltd, Newport, said: "There has been a skills shortage for years, but the government has only just woken up to it – assuming this is not just another election promise which will be ditched in 12 moths time.

"In engineering, the skillset required tends to be quite explicit for different industries. IAC is unable to go into the street and pick up an engineer who could immediately start with us and be productive – it takes several years of experience to become efficient and to pick up the necessary wherewithal, even with graduates.

"Companies are only now waking up to the need to train and foster from within. We should all have been taking on kids from school years ago and not having to go searching for people when the need arises. We all should be planning five or more years ahead and not taking short-term profits.

"Profits should have been allocated for training and development instead of supporting the German car industry.

"We have been training apprentices at IAC for more than 25 years and we have ex-apprentices throughout the organisation. We have managed to keep the vast majority of these people and only last a couple over the years. When they get to the end of a four year apprenticeship, our young people are motivated and well skilled. They all want to continue with IAC because they can see we care about their welfare and long term stability.

"We have occasionally lost people to competitors who do not indulge in training – rather look to poach from the like of us when the need arises. These people invariably do not last long with the competitor. They very soon realise what they are missing at IAC and in most cases, they come back within a year. I cannot think of a better testimony to internal development and training."

David Davies, managing director of Axiom Manufacturing Services, which is based in Newbridge, said: “A strong engineering and manufacturing base has always been fundamental to Wales’ economy. Today, the growth of the Welsh technology and engineering sectors are fundamental to the development of the Welsh economy. The growth of these sectors is reliant on addressing existing skills gaps and attracting new young talent into the industry.

“We must engage young people to recognise the career potential offered by these dynamic and innovative sectors, promote the skills our industries desperately require and dispel the misconceptions many young people hold about careers in engineering.

“Axiom is extremely passionate about creating aspiration at an early age and hence developing the career paths of young people, it is this aspiration that must be stimulated throughout the schools and colleges to give young people a sense of purpose and self-esteem. Our apprenticeship and graduate schemes are designed as a plan for creating a long-term, skilled workforce for our company. We implore all companies working in Wales’ technology and engineering sectors to do the same.”

Avril Lewis, managing director of the ESTnet, the voice of Wales’ technology industry, said: "Private industry needs to raise its profile and reach out to young people to promote the career opportunities in Wales’ technology and engineering sectors. The technology industry in Wales is thriving and there are many quality jobs available. There is a current and urgent demand for skilled engineers and software professionals.

“The technology industry is an enabler and underpins many other sectors and industries. All young people will need good digital skills now and in the future. We are working hard to help our members engage with education providers to shape the training and qualifications of young people coming into the industry.

“Wales designs, develops and manufactures some of the most hi-tech software and products in the world. Many young people still aren’t aware of the exciting and well-paid career opportunities available in this growing sector; it is our aim to effect a positive change to benefit the industry in Wales.”

David Sadler, head of IT Recruitment,at Newport-based Acorn, said: "There is no question that technology is a thriving industry and the employment opportunities it is providing are unparalleled. But, faced with a serious skills shortage here in Wales in a number of sectors - particularly in technology – we need to realign our strategies to take best advantage.

"We’re not alone in this - the whole of the UK is falling behind the rest of the world and this can in part be traced back to the education system. More companies are being attracted into Wales but the pool of potential candidates ready to take up their jobs isn’t growing at the same rate and this is creating a real war for the most talented individuals.

"Schools, colleges and universities have to work more closely with the sector to ensure students are being equipped with the skills they need to fill these rolls.

"Likewise, as the economy continues to improve, there is a real priority for businesses to look at their skillset and see investment in skills as an absolute priority, both to attract the right people and also to plug any existing skill gaps."