§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many young people aged between 18 and 24 years, unemployed for over six months, will benefit from the new deal in the first year of operation. [19134]
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§ Mr. Andrew SmithIt is not possible to provide precise estimates of the total numbers of young people who will require help from the New Deal. In its first year, we will offer to help everyone who becomes eligible for the New Deal, and sufficient places will be available to meet this commitment.
§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of the new deal resources for education and training he expects to be allocated to the further education sector. [19192]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithFE Colleges will have the opportunity to bid for well over £100 million-worth of New Deal resources next year.
§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he will take to ensure that unemployed adults participating in the new deal will be able to continue their training beyond NVQ Level 2 or equivalent. [18992]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithThe Full-Time Education and Training Option in the New Deal for unemployed people aged 18 to 24 is primarily aimed at helping young people who do not hold qualifications at or above N/SVQ2 or equivalent. In circumstances where it will clearly enhance their employability, young people who already hold Level 2 qualifications will be able to work towards a higher level qualification. Under the education and training element of the other three options, participants will pursue an approved qualification, which might be at NVQ Level 3, or equivalent, if appropriate.
The education and training element of the New Deal for adults will allow the long-term unemployed to study on full-time employment related courses for qualifications broadly up to NVQ3 level for up to a year while receiving Jobseeker's Allowance.