§ 24. Mr. FabricantTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the prospects for reducing youth unemployment in the Province. [40704]
§ Mr. WorthingtonAll 16 and 17 year olds in Northern Ireland who leave school are guaranteed a place in education or on Jobskills, a programme which gives them the opportunity to train to NVQ level II. Over 12,000 trainees participated in Jobskills during 1997/98 with some 52 per cent. gaining employment immediately after leaving the programme. As of 6 April 1998 the New Deal for 18–24 year olds who have been unemployed for over six months came into effect. It is estimated that approximately 16,000 young people will enter the144W programme during this financial year and New Deal Personal Advisers will help all to improve their employability and find jobs.