§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the provision of employment training in Wirral, South. [168912]
§ Jane KennedyEmployment training for unemployed people in Wirral South is available through a range of Jobcentre Plus programmes. Training is provided in occupations including: construction, engineering, administration, agriculture, retail, basic skills, IT, health care and self employment.
People in Wirral South can also access training in construction and IT through our Ambition programmes. These programmes are designed to give unemployed and disadvantaged people the skills and experience they need to get sustained jobs with career potential in areas of specific local labour market shortages. On the 28 April, we announced our Ambition Health programme which will give people the chance of support and training to help them into jobs in the NHS. The Merseyside pilot, which Wirral South residents will be able to access, starts in September.
Help with travel costs is available for unemployed people undertaking our training programmes, and those known to face particular disadvantage in the labour market may be exempt from an unemployment qualifying period and can join Jobcentre Plus programmes from day one of their unemployment. These can include: disabled people, lone parents and people with basic skills needs.