§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures the Government(a) have taken and (b) are planning to take, to ensure that universities are responsive to the needs of the non-academic community. [16363]
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§ Dr. HowellsThe Government are encouraging and will encourage universities to meet the needs of employers and others in their communities in a number of ways.
We are continuing the Higher Education and Employment Development Programme, which exists to improve responsiveness to the labour market at a national level and to enhance the ability of employers to use the skills and knowledge that graduates bring. The Programme has a budget of £8 million over the next two years, during which we expect to support some 60 projects.
The Higher Education Regional Development Fund came into operation this year. This initiative aims to engage higher education systemically in supporting competitiveness and economic growth at a regional level through close partnerships with employers and employer-led organisations. The 1997–98 budget of £2.7 million is supporting 58 projects. Although funding is due to end in April 1998, the Government are considering a recommendation from the National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education—the Dearing Committee—to extend it.
My Department is also supporting four feasibility studies on the development of graduate apprenticeships. These will explore the potential for creating opportunities for undergraduates and postgraduates that combine academic study with work-based learning.
For the future, the Government are considering their response to the many other recommendations of the Dearing Committee intended to increase higher education's responsiveness to the needs of its non-academic stakeholders. We will announce our decisions soon.