Britain could take a leaf out of Germany's book when it comes to links between schools and businesses, according to the mayor of Abingdon, Keith Hasnip.

The mayor was speaking at the opening of the new headquarters of the Oxfordshire Education Business Partnership at The Charter in Abingdon.

The new centre brings together offices in Cricket Road, Oxford, and Milton Park, near Didcot.

The OEBP links schools and businesses across Oxfordshire, coordinating work experience placements for secondary school students.

It checks that all placements provide a safe environment for young people and runs activities helped by businesses to support students to experience workplace learning.

Mr Hasnip -- the former head of German at Abingdon School -- said that in Germany the link between schools and businesses in both primary and secondary schools was much stronger than in Britain.

He said work experience was a vital part of education for young people.

He added: "Close links between schools, business and industry are vital to encourage learning and enterprise. They open up many opportunities for the future.

"I welcome the arrival of the Education Business Partnership to Abingdon and wish it every success in helping our young people."

The senior manager of the OEBP, Fiona Clarke, said: "We are making big strides in Britain and catching up with Germany.

"Schools are integrating learning and enterprise and there are many opportunities for young people in the future.

"Work experience prepares young people for the real world and is so important," Ms Clarke added.