§ Mr. Parkasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give further consideration to improving schools-industry links by encouraging the provision of more work experience or alternatives during the fifth year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Keith JosephThe Government recognise the importance of all forms of school-industry liaison, including work experience. Two recent initiatives—the technical and vocational education initiative and the lower attaining pupils programme—make substantial provision for enhanced links between schools and industry, and real and simulated work experience.
More generally the Government hope that an increasing proportion of pupils will undertake work experience courses as part of their preparation for adult and working life. They welcome the contributions of organisations which are active in this field. The provision of work experience for fifth-year pupils is, however, a matter for the LEAs and schools themselves.