§ Mr. Derek FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received from private sector companies participating in the New Deal that they are unable to provide the equivalent of one full day's training per week to lead to an accredited qualification, for every placement. [32291]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithTraining is a key feature of all the New Deal options, not least the jobs options. All employers who receive the subsidy agree to ensure that the young person receives training during the time that they are with the employer, payment being made in arrears subject to satisfactory progress being made in training.
We have not heard of any employers for whom the provision of training during the option is an issue. Indeed, the response we have had from employers has been most enthusiastic and shows a clear understanding of the aims of New Deal to improve long term employability and raise skill levels and the emphasis that is placed on quality. These aims will be best achieved by giving young people the chance to acquire approved qualifications or working towards them by gaining specific units. Success in these areas will benefit not only the young person but also the employer.
§ Mr. Derek FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the estimated timescale for the provision of 50,000 trained child carers under the New Deal for lone parents. [32293]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithWe aim to provide places for up to 50,000 young people to train as childcare workers under the New Deal for 18–24 year olds over the lifetime of the Parliament. Potentially, participants on the New Deal for long-term unemployed people could also train as childcare workers, and participants on the New Deal for lone parents could be helped to find employment in childcare. This initiative will make it easier for all parents, including lone parents, to balance their family commitments with employment.