§ 37. Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of the 16 to 18-year-old age group, not attending school, are following some form of vocational training, apprenticeship, further education, or other form of education or training, either full-time or part-time.
§ Mr. Jim LesterThis information is not available in the form requested by84W hon. Member. However, for information about the pattern of education and training for young people aged 16 to 18 in England and Wales during the academic year 1978–79, I refer the hon. Member to my hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Bolton, West (Mrs. Taylor) on 14 April.—[Vol. 982, c. 560–62.] I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that in the academic year 1978–79 in England and Wales there were 130,000 entrants to the youth opportunities programme, which provides varying elements of work experience and training for unemployed young people; this is approximately 6 per cent. of young people aged 16 to 18. There are no comprehensive statistics available to indicate how many young people enter apprenticeships.