§ Mr. GorrieTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will take steps to encourage headteachers and careers and guidance staff to become more involved in placing suitable young people in modern apprenticeships. [154401]
§ Mr. WicksThe Government are determined to ensure that all young people receive high quality, impartial advice about all the learning opportunities available to them. To deliver this we are setting up the new Connexions Service starting in 12 areas in England from April this year, which will ensure that young people who could benefit are actively encouraged to consider vocational options, including Modurn Apprenticeships. Connexions Personal Advisers will provide careers advice to all young people about their learning options. Those Personal Advisers based in schools still work as part of a team under the management of headreachers.