§ Mr. LeightonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps his Department is taking to assist training in London docklands with a view to ensuring that jobs go to local people.
§ Mr. NichollsI have been asked to reply.
The Government's training programmes are designed to ensure that local people are equipped with the skills to meet the growing needs of employers.
Under employment training specific steps taken to improve the targeting of training and job opportunities in Docklands include:
226Wcompacts with employers and training providers which give priority consideration to local people;a customised training and priority hiring programme with construction companies to help local long-term unemployed people into jobs;a partnership project with Jarvis plc to integrate English as a second language and construction training to improve job opportunities for the local Vietnamese community.Funding has also been provided for the development of compacts between employers and schools covering the docklands area. If successful they will help to provide new job and training opportunities for local school leavers.
In addition local collaborative action is assisting local small businesses to identify skill needs and develop enterprise opportunities.