§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of the jobs created under the job creation programme involve skilled or semi-skilled work; and what measures are being taken to ensure that an adequate trainings element is offered in each job so that young people may obtain valuable career experience.
§ Mr. GoldingI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that, according to a survey conducted earlier this year, approximately 11 per cent. of the jobs created under the job creation programme involved skilled work—that is, professional, technical and skilled manual jobs. Information about the percentage of semi-skilled jobs is not available. Project sponsors are required to provide on-the-job training and, where applicable, other work preparation training including day release to colleges of further education. In addition, area action committees have been asked to give preference to applications for projects which provide training which will improve the prospects of young people finding jobs.