§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to ensure that YTS courses contain sufficient recognised skill training content to be seen by employers as a step towards apprenticeships or equivalent recognised qualifications: and what is his estimate of the proportion of YTS places that currently fall into this category.
§ Mr. CopeEvery YTS training programme must offer trainees the opportunity of achieving a vocational qualification, or of gaining credit towards one. Increasing numbers of vocational qualifications have been made a specific requirement in YTS. These are approved by the National Council for Vocational Qualifications and reflect broad standards of occupational competence defined by industry and commerce. Already such qualifications are available for 75 per cent. of YTS programmes. Managing agents are required to introduce those specified qualifications within a defined timescale.