§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will extend the Engineering Industry Training Board's Sponsorship Scheme for apprentices to four years.
§ Mr. GoldingI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that it is the view of the Commission that the primary responsibility for industrial training should rest with industry itself. Support from public funds for apprentice training through training award schemes such as that operated by the Engineering Industry Training Board is therefore limited to the first year when the initial training is given off the job. The Commission considers that the further training and experience necessary to complete the apprenticeship should be provided by employers in the industry. The EITB has been successful in placing the majority of sponsored trainees with employers where they can complete their apprenticeships. There are, however, provisions for continuing the training under Board sponsorship where the trainees cannot be found places in the industry on the completion of the initial training.