§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what policies she is following to ensure an adequate supply of skilled construction engineers; and if she will make a statement on the effect of current employment legislation on training of the under-18s. [134239]
§ Nigel GriffithsThe Government provide approximately £35 million to the Construction Industry Training Board in respect of various contracts and schemes administered by them. £3 million support their role as a Sector Skills Council and sponsors events like National Construction Week to encourage young people to make construction a first choice career.
The DTI also works closely with the Department for Education and Skills to take forward actions arising from the recent Skills White Paper, and Work Permits UK, which administers the work permits regime. The Government are fully committed to Modern Apprenticeships as a means of preparing young people for an economy based on high-level skills.
The Department for Education and Skills on the matter of training for the under-18s, which is a matter primarily for them.