HC Deb 04 February 1988 vol 126 c698W
Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to strengthen schools-industry links.

Mr. Butcher

A number of measures to strengthen school-industry links were announced as part of the enterprise initiative in the White Paper "DTI — the department for Enterprise" published on 12 January 1988. Three new targets were set— every year, 10 per cent. of teachers should have the opportunity to gain some personal experience of the world of business —every young person should have two or more weeks of work experience, suited to his or her ability and needs, before leaving school —every trainee teacher should gain an appreciation of the needs of employers and the importance of links between schools and employers

The DTI will also continue to support a wide range of innovative school-employer link activities, courses and projects which promote better understanding between employers and education and the development of practical, adaptable and enterprising attitudes in young people.