§ Mr. SoamesTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans the Government have for local education-business partnerships and for the teacher placement service.
§ Mr. RidleyI am pleased to announce on behalf of myself and my right hon. Friends, the Secretaries of State for Education and Science and for Employment, that the Government intend to support local education business 117W partnerships across the country. The new partnerships will build on the work already done under the enterprise and education initiative, TVEI and compacts, and foster the development of the work-related aspects of the national curriculum.
Partnerships involve local education and business interests in work that brings schools and other educational institutions, industry and commerce closer together for the benefit of young people and the economy.
The Government also intend to build wherever possible on existing partnership work. Where they are in a position to make effective proposals, the new training and enterprise councils will be offered the first opportunity to lead and co-ordinate the development of this activity; otherwise, other local bodies and organisations will be invited to bid for this role.
There will be a development phase over the next 12 months in which my colleagues and I will collaborate closely. The Foundation for Education Business Partnerships, which has been established by industrial and education interests to foster partnership activity will be kept closely in touch.
Financial support will come initially from my Department. With the formation of partnerships from April 1991, the Department's Training Agency will take the lead.
My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and for Scotland will make separate announcements about their arrangements for partnerships.
The teacher placement service will continue. Arrangements for its future administration will be developed together with those for local partnerships.