HC Deb 06 December 1965 vol 722 cc10-1
24. Mr. Costain

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in the development of group apprenticeship training facilities between firms.

Mr. Thornton

There are some 3,000 apprentices from 850 firms participating in group apprenticeship schemes, of which there are about 70 now running. During 1965, this Ministry has offered grants towards the development costs of eleven new schemes.

Mr. Costain

Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that proposals for this kind of thing are going ahead sufficiently quickly? Has he proposals to improve progress?

Mr. Thornton

I am hoping that the industrial training boards will help in handling this very desirable process in industries where there is a large number of small and medium-sized firms.

25. Mr. Costain

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made towards getting a reduction in the number of years required for apprenticeship training.

Mr. Thornton

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given by my hon. Friend the former Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry to similar Questions on 14th June last. Since then, further sections of the construction industry have reduced the period of apprenticeship, and the electricity supply industry has also recommended a reduction.

Mr. Costain

Would not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the progressive state of the construction industry is an example to other industries, and will he do his best to see that those other industries emulate the construction industry?

Mr. Thornton

Yes, Sir. I will certainly look at that point.

Mr. Bence

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that it is as important, or even more important, to improve the quality of apprenticeship training as to diminish the number of years to be served?

Mr. Thornton

My hon. Friend can take it that our Ministry will pay very close regard to that factor.

33. Mr. Weatherill

asked the Minister of Labour what progress he has made in the last 12 months in arranging that school leavers may start their apprenticeships after the age of 16; and what official discussions he has had with trade unions on the subject.

Mr. Thornton

In most industries employing large numbers of apprentices, provision is made for entry to apprenticeship after the age of 16. It is one of the responsibilities of the industrial training boards to make recommendations with regard to the age of entry into training and where it is necessary I shall expect them to take a progressive line on this subject.

Mr. Weatherill

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say how many unions persist in this out-of-date practice? What action will he take to correct it?

Mr. Thornton

I do not think there are many unions which persist in this practice. There is a common impression that 16 is the maximum age at which an apprenticeship can be started, but that is not so. I should like the hon. Member to appreciate—no doubt he does—that this is rather dependent on agreements between employers and trade unions. Some agreements fix no upper age limit, some have 16 or 18 as the upper age limit and most of those which fix an upper age Limit make some agreement for exceptions.