HC Deb 28 April 1993 vol 223 cc455-6W
Ms Short

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment which TECs are participating in the gateway to learning pilot schemes; what are the objectives of the pilots; what will happen to the pilots in 1994–95; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. McLoughlin

The gateways to learning initiative aims to improve local adult occupational guidance provision and to increase the take up of quality assured guidance opportunities. This will help individuals take control of their own career development. The gateway to learning projects are also developing guidance voucher schemes for locally specified client groups. Experience with the initiative so far is very encouraging.

TECs selected for gateways receive part-funding for one year. A list of the 29 TECs chosen to participate in the initiative in 1993–94, together with the 12 TECs which took part in 1992–93 follows.

At the end of 1993–94, when Employment Department pump priming ceases, it is expected that the TECs involved will continue the provision with their own funds. This was achieved with the 1992–93 pilots.

TECs participating in gateways to learning:
1993–94: Humberside
Calderdale and Kirklees LAWTEC
County Durham Leicester
Greater Peterborough Merseyside
NORMID Leeds
Rochdale Manchester
Sandwell Milton Keynes
SOLOTEC North West London
Staffordshire Rotherham
Suffolk Sheffield
Teesside South Thames
West London Stockport and High Peak
Central England Surrey
Gloucestershire Walsall
Heart of England
Kent
1992–93: Coventry and Warwickshire
Bedfordshire Greater Nottingham/North
Northumberland Nottinghamshire
South and East Cheshire Dudley
North London Dorset
Hertfordshire Wiltshire
Bolton and Bury Birmingham