HC Deb 12 May 1987 vol 116 cc165-6W
29. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Paymaster General how many people are presently receiving training under the new job training scheme.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

On 24 April 1987, 2,337 people were taking part in the new job training scheme.

34. Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Paymaster General what indications he has so far received concerning the progress of the job training scheme.

36. Mr. George

asked the Paymaster General what indications he has so far received concerning the progress of the job training scheme.

38. Mr. Willie W. Hamilton

asked the Paymaster General what indications he has so far received concerning the progress of the job training scheme.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Where the new job training scheme has already been established it is proving an attractive option for long-term unemployed people. A wide range of managing agents are coming forward to participate in the national extended scheme and plans are now well advanced for the provision of training opportunities in all areas of the country.

48. Mr. Freud

asked the Paymaster General what measures he is taking to guarantee the quality of training on the job training scheme.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The Government and the MSC are committed to providing high quality training which leads to recognised vocational qualifications under the job training scheme, and to this end the Manpower Services Commission has agreed a comprehensive short and longer term quality assurance strategy which includes:

  • —introduction of the new status of approved training organisation (adult) for managing agents who wish to deliver new JTS programmes. Agents will need to meet exacting criteria in order to qualify.
  • —involvement of the training standards advisory service to provide professional and independent assessment of new JTS.
  • —monitoring by local MSC officials, with reporting back to area manpower boards.