HC Deb 09 May 1994 vol 243 cc44-5W
Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is the cost of funding the job training programme in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what is the cost of funding the youth training programme in Northern Ireland;

(3) how many people participated in the youth training programme between 1 April 1984 and 31 March 1994; and how many of these have obtained a full-time position.

Mr. Tim Smith

Responsibility for the subject matter in question has been delegated to the Training and Employment Agency under its chief executive, Mr. J. S. Crozier. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from J. S. Crozier to Mr. Eddie McGrady, dated 9 May 1994: The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me to reply to your questions about the cost of funding the Job Training Programme (JTP) and Youth Training Programme (YTP) and how many people participated in YTP, and entered full time employment. The cost of funding JTP and YTP in the year ended 31 March 1994 was £21.2 million (estimated) and £47.6 million

Average Occupancy Total Number of Leavers (For whom destination is known) Leavers to Employment Percentage Leavers to F.E. Percentage Total Percentage to Employment or F.E.
1984–85 7,347 9,117 5,017 55 274 3 58
1985–86 8,081 9,620 5,500 57 289 3 60
1986–87 8,659 10,271 5,686 55 411 4 59
1987–88 8,778 10,509 5,787 55 525 5 60
1988–89 8,881 10,232 6,428 63 512 5 67
1989–90 9,818 10,914 6,767 62 655 6 68
1990–91 12,914 8,768 4,223 48 1,228 14 62
1991–92 15,688 12,675 5,754 45 2,662 21 66
1992–93 13,725 12,090 6,672 55 1,334 11 66
1993–94 '12,510 10,565 5,911 55 1,260 11 66
1 Includes jobskills pilots.

In addition, during the years 1985 to 1990, YTP workscheme was a major element of second year provision in the Youth Training Programme. Workscheme offered employers financial and other assistance to encourage the employment and training of 17 year olds. Surveys indicated that the majority of young people in YTP Workscheme continued in employment beyond the grant aided year. The average numbers in employment with training under Workscheme was:

Average occupancy Number
1984–85 1,428
1985–86 1,713
1986–87 3,951
1987–88 2,641
1988–89 4,447
1989–90 2,411
1990–91 911
1991–92 4

The Training and Employment Agency has been reviewing its training programme and you may be aware that since September 1992 we have been piloting a completely new programme which if approved by Ministers would replace both YTP and JTP. It is designed to enhance quality and outcomes for participants partly through better performance in the achievement of qualifications. I hope that you find this helpful.