§ Mr. Barry PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will make a statement on the progress of the National Council for Vocational Qualifications programme and its implementation.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe National Council for Vocational Qualifications is making good progress in meeting the target set by my right hon. and learned Friend, the previous Secretary of State for Employment, that by the end of 1992 national vocational qualifications covering 80 per cent. of the work force up to NVQ level 4 are available, and in all the most important occupational areas.
There are currently some 430 national vocational qualifications accredited by the council covering about 73 per cent. of the work force in over 40 major industries. The council is well on course to achieve the 80 per cent. target.
The council is taking a leading role in helping to ensure that awareness and take up of national vocational qualifications is raised. The council's national communications strategy, which was launched by the Prime Minister in January 1992, is involving employer and other organisations in promoting NVQs.