HC Deb 20 December 1983 vol 51 cc261-2
9. Mr. Madel

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he next plans to meet local education authority representatives to discuss the future role of colleges of further education in the youth training scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Keith Joseph

I have no immediate plans to do so but the Department has regular opportunities to discuss the youth training scheme with representatives of local education authorities.

Mr. Madel

Before the next scheme begins in September next year, will my right hon. Friend have a close look at the content of the courses offered at colleges of further education in relation to the youth training scheme? If it seems likely that many young people, when they have completed youth training, will want to go back to some form of further education, will the Government have a close look and see what form of financial support might be granted to such students?

Sir Keith Joseph

Yes, but I think my hon. Friend is aware that there is already a 21-hour rule which enables those seeking employment to do some study while they are seeking jobs.

Mr. Nellist

Does the Secretary of State agree with his hon. Friend's question on the need for youngsters, on completing a youth training scheme course, to consider going back to further education, as only 38 per cent. of those completing the schemes get jobs? As the schemes are not designed to create jobs that is the only option, other than going back on the dole.

Sir Keith Joseph

The hon. Gentleman may have observed that there appears to be an increase—I do not want to exaggerate; a modest increase—in the number of jobs available to people of that age.

Mr. Freud

Does the Secretary of State accept that colleges of further education are facing bankruptcy because of the low take-up of the youth training schemes? Will he introduce legislation to ensure their future?

Sir Keith Joseph

The position of different colleges of further education in relation to youth training schemes varies very much, but the terms on which they are paid for their provision of youth training will be open to renegotiation in the new year.

Mr. Sheerman

Will the Secretary of State discuss with the local education authorities when he meets them the problem of recognising a year on YTS as a qualification for going on to further education in colleges of higher education, as this is disturbing many people? Is he aware that it is not clear whether a year on YTS is a qualification to pursue anything afterwards?

Sir Keith Joseph

I do not see that the scheme can conceivably provide in itself a qualification for higher education, but there are many courses of further education which are open to those leaving YTS, as for others, with financial conditions which vary according to the circumstances of the individual.