§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many trainees he estimates will take part in(a) national traineeships and (b) modern apprenticeship schemes in 1998. [36862]
§ Dr. HowellsPlans for England in 1998–99 are for about 125,000 people to enter National Traineeships and other work-based training for young people at NVQ level 2.
For Modern Apprenticeships, plans are for 72,500 young people to begin an apprenticeship in 1998–99; and for numbers to build up to an average of 136,000 in training.
In addition, some Modern Apprenticeship opportunities will be supported through the European Social Fund.
§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of the public money allocated for training and enterprise councils and to chambers of commerce training and enterprise in England and Wales will be spent on trainee allowances for people participating in training provided by an organisation other than the TEC or CCTE from which they receive their funding in the next 12 months. [36863]
§ Dr. HowellsThe total budget for work-based training for adults in England for 1998–99 is £324.5 million of which £148.5 million (46 per cent.) is for trainee allowances.
For Work-based Training For Young People, we do not separately identify an allowances element within the budget. TECs and CCTEs are responsible for ensuring the cost of allowances and training can be met within the total resources available to them, including employer contributions. In most cases employer placement providers meet the cost of allowances.
Responsibility for training in Wales lies with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much he estimates would be raised by the introduction of a training levy equivalent to 2 per cent. of companies' pay roll in a 12 month period. [36864]
§ Dr. HowellsThis information is not collected by the Department and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.
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