§ Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what her plans are for providing further work experience for teenagers of school age. [63390]
§ Mr. MilibandOver 95 per cent. of school pupils already undertake work experience placements in their last years of compulsory schooling to help develop the skills and attitudes essential for the world of work. The Department provides £10 million a year towards the costs of this programme, and evaluations suggest that the placements are generally satisfactory and well-received by schools, pupils and employers. We will also fund a £38 million programme over 2002–2004 to expand vocational opportunities at Key Stage 4. This includes support for over 30,000 pupils on part-time vocational courses in colleges that will often involve direct experience of the world of work.
The Green Paper "14–19: extending opportunities, raising standards", published in February, proposes that all young people should undertake some work-related learning. Plans to develop and enhance existing arrangements for work experience will depend upon decisions yet to be taken on these proposals.