§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how much is currently being spent on training schemes for 16 to 18-year-olds; how many are covered by the schemes; what changes to the schemes he is planning; and if he will make a statement. [26746]
§ Mr. PaiceThe planned expenditure on youth training and modern apprenticeships for 1995–96 is £680 million, which will cover 150,000 first-time entrants; 243,000 will be in training during that year.
A wide range of initiatives is already available for young people aged 16 to 18 to improve their employment prospects and achievement of vocational qualifications. We are currently working with employers to develop modern apprenticeships and accelerated modern 449W apprenticeships, to increase the number of young people training and to increase the number achieving qualifications at supervisory and technician levels.
Since September 1994, 1,440 young people have commenced training in modern apprenticeship prototypes. It is expected that about 50 frameworks will be available for introduction across England from September 1995.
Employees in the construction industry by standard region: December 1988—December 1994 thousands Region 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 Greater London 138 131 128 115 103 92 101 Rest of South East 184 187 185 157 148 139 144 East Anglia 34 37 36 33 34 29 26 South West 74 76 74 64 61 56 54 West Midlands 93 91 89 87 85 86 88 East Midlands 65 68 67 63 56 55 62 Yorks and Humbs 92 100 97 92 88 95 81 North West 110 114 112 100 90 88 93 North 67 70 68 67 66 63 62 Wales 43 47 46 44 41 46 40 England and Wales 900 921 902 822 770 749 751 Note:
December of each year (not seasonally adjusted).
Source:
Workforce in Employment series.