§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what consideration he has given to the German model of a firm employment status for apprentices and industry-agreed allowances for trainees; and what plans he has to recommend it in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. PaiceIt is up to employers offering apprenticeship training to decide on employed status and wage levels. Under modern apprenticeships the aim is to offer apprentices employed status as soon as possible and to ensure that realistic wages or allowances are set which reflect the cost of training to the employer and the expectation on behalf of the trainee of higher wages when qualified.