§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to ensure that the quality of training available to army personnel equips them both for their duties in the armed forces and for civilian employment on the completion of service. [34150]
§ Dr. ReidThe Army training system is primarily designed to ensure that each individual serviceman and woman is equipped effectively to carry out their military duties. It is, however, certainly the case that the specialist, leadership, initiative, communication and team skills which are developed throughout a military career are all transferable to a civilian environment, so that our Army is one of the best work forces in Britain.
In line with the Department's commitment to Investors in People, a great many opportunities exist, and are being developed, for Army personnel to acquire vocational and other civilian qualifications through their military training and experience. This training is quality assured through a combination of partnerships with lead and awarding bodies, and through individual access to accredited schemes. The attainment of recognisable civilian qualifications is a particular benefit to the Service leaver when he or she enters the civilian job market. The Army will be looking to see what more can be done in this area both to reflect our commitment to our Service personnel, in the context of the Strategic Defence Review, and in line with this Government's Life Long Learning initiative.
In their final year of service, eligible Service leavers are encouraged to take advantage of a broad range of sponsored resettlement training. This training, which is predominantly job-focused, is monitored and quality 542W assured by the Tri-Service Resettlement Organisation, and adheres to Industry approved standards where appropriate. Service leavers are also encouraged to attend civilian courses which lead to a nationally recognised qualification.