HC Deb 12 January 1989 vol 144 cc738-9W
Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of employment training managers have been approved (i) nationally and (ii) in Oxfordshire.

Mr. Nicholls

[holding answer 22 December 1988]: None so far. The first awards of approved training manager status are expected to be made in mid-1990.

Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) whether he has any plans to introduce procedures to ensure the quality control of training agents, with particular reference to initial action plans for trainees;

(2) what levels of performance are expected in determining whether an organisation qualifies as a training manager, under the Training Agency, in respect of (a) staff policies and practices, (b) premises and equipment, (c) equal opportunities policy, (d) financial viability, (e) managing action plans, (f) training, (g) effective programme review programmes, (h) assessment, recording of progress and achievement and use of vocational qualifications and (i) health and safety policy.

Mr. Nicholls

[holding answer 22 December 1988]: Information on the levels of performance expected from training managers under the headings requested has been published by the Training Agency. Copies of the criteria for both training agents and training managers have been placed in the library.

The Training Agency is currently working with each training agent to agree proposals to help develop their performance, including work on action plans.

Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has any plans to publish details of the type of training being provided by training managers and agents.

Mr. Nicholls

[holding answer 22 December 1988]: Information on the numbers of trainees undergoing training on project-based places and on placements with employers should be available in January. Other than this information, my right hon. Friend has no plans at present to publish further details of the type of training being provided by training managers. Training agents do not provide training.