§ 75. Mr. EvennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many 16 to 18-year-olds are undertaking training on the youth training scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CopeAt the end of September 435,500 young people were in training on the youth training scheme, of whom only a small number (about 1.4 per cent.) were aged 19 or over. I am delighted that so many young people are taking the opportunity to acquire through YTS the skills they will need for their future working lives.
§ 91. Mrs. PeacockTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many young people are currently training on the two-year YTS.
§ Mr. CopeAt the end of September 1988, YTS records show 435,500 young people in training on YTS. Of these 411,900 were on a two-year training programme and 23,600 were on a one-year training programme.
§ 117. Mr. BrazierTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a further statement on the progress of two-year YTS.
§ Mr. CopeSince the launch of two-year YTS in 1986, the programme has become firmly established as the normal route from school to work for 16-year-olds and some 17-year-olds in much of the country. The attractiveness of the programme to young people is 193W demonstrated by the fact that the two millionth trainee will enter YTS by the end of October 1988. The demographic drop in the numbers of young people and employer's growing demands for higher level skills underline the vital role which YTS should play in securing a well-trained and flexible work force.