HC Deb 20 May 1976 vol 911 cc695-6W
Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many females are receiving training at skillcentres.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that, on 31st March 1976, 26 females were receiving training at skillcentres out of a total of 20,816 females being trained under the Training Opportunities Scheme.

Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many males are receiving training at skillcentres.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that, on 31st March 1976, 13,149 males were re ceiving training at skillcentres out of a total of 24,448 males being trained under the Training Opportunities Scheme.

Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what advice as to selection of an appropriate course is given to applicants at skillcentres, with a view to ensuring that work is likely to be available at the conclusion of the course.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the skills taught at skillcentres are related to the known or anticipated demands of industry. A large majority of prospective trainees apply through the local offices and jobcentres of the Employment Service Agency. The staff of the agency will advise the applicant not only about the nature and suitability of the course, but also about the probable job opportunities at the end of training.

Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what criteria are used in deciding what courses to run at skill-centres.

Mr. Golding

The Manpower Services Commission informs me that the Training Services Agency takes account of a number of factors in deciding on the type of training courses to be run at skillcentres. These include the level of demand from individuals for particular forms of training, the employment opportunities in local industry, and the existing facilities available in colleges of further education and other training institutions.