§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what role Education Business Links play in facilitating work-related learning placements with small and medium sized enterprises. [90929]
§ Mr. Stephen TwiggEducation/business links have an important role to play in providing experiences of the world of work for young people. We are providing £25 million in 2002–03 to promote closer links between schools and business. Education/business links organisations work with many small and medium sized enterprises to provide opportunities for work-related learning for young people, including work experience placements undertaken by 95 per cent. of pupils at Key Stage 4.
154WIn addition, through our "Increased Flexibility for 14–16 Year Olds" programme, we are making available £38 million which will create over 30,000 part-time placements per annum in 2002–04. This programme will give many young people at Key Stage 4 the chance to pursue vocational courses in colleges, with training providers and with employers. Early indications are that education/business links organisations and small and medium sized enterprises are involved in the local delivery of the programme.