HC Deb 31 October 1989 vol 159 cc158-60W
25. Mr. Day

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people have completed the new entrants training scheme to date.

Mr. Nicholls

It is estimated that 239,000 people had left employment training by the end of September 1989, the latest date for which information is available. We cannot say at present how many of these people had completed their planned training.

46. Mr. Eastham

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how his Department intends to encourage training provision for those aged 16 to 19 years in employment.

Mr. Nicholls

Training and enterprise councils will pursue the Government's aim that all young people in the labour market participate in vocational training leading to recognised qualifications.

The opportunity to undertake training is already available to all young people eligible for YTS. As the number of school leavers diminishes those seeking jobs will be looking for jobs with training. Now is the right time for all employers recruiting young people to take advantage of YTS and give a real commitment to training.

66. Mr. Lofthouse

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how his Department intends to encourage the numbers of trainees and apprentices in manufacturing industry.

Mr. Nicholls

Many employers in manufacturing participate in YTS for training young people, including apprentices. The Government will continue to encourage employers to make quality, vocational training available to all young people as the best way of meeting the skill needs of the modern economy.

74. Dr. Reid

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how his Department will encourage the provision of training to those persons aged 25 years and over.

Mr. Nicholls

Responsibility for training for employed people rests primarily with employers and individuals. Training and enterprise councils will have a key role to play in encouraging employers to train the whole of their work force throughout working life. The business growth training programme and other measures taken by my Department to raise employers' awareness of the importance of training will help in this. My Department will continue to develop employment training as a quality training programme which is available to people aged 25 and over who are eligible.

85. Mr. Clelland

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to encourage private employers to provide more extensive training opportunities.

96. Mr. Dunnachie

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how he intends to encourage the provision of training by employers.

Mr. Nicholls

Training and enterprise councils in England and Wales and local enterprise companies in Scotland will ensure that private sector employers lead Britain's training effort into the 1990s. They will increase employer commitment to training and will use private and public resources. In particular they will support employers through business growth training.