§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Employment what consideration he is giving to 535W developing, through the Manpower Services Commission special programmes, further education college-sponsored group work experience schemes offering young unemployed persons over a one-year period, course-based training and education and work experience on employers' premises; and what representations Strathclyde regional education department has made to him in this connection.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that it will consider proposals for group work experience schemes providing elements of training, work experience and basic education from any organisation that can provide the range of opportunities needed by young people within the normal youth opportunities programme funding arrangements. The length of such courses should be determined in the light of local requirements and the availability of resources.
The Manpower Services Commission has had discussions with the Strathclyde regional council education department to consider the introduction of a range of linked courses providing assessment, training and work experience for unemployed young people. These discussions have prompted the development of such provision at Springburn college of engineering, Glasgow and other colleges have expressed an interest in mounting similar courses.