§ Chris RuaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what joint projects his Department is conducting with the Department for Education and Skills to increase the number of students entering(a) access courses and (b) further education; and what progress has been made to date. [156803]
§ Mr. BrowneThis Department is not conducting any joint projects with the Department for Education and Skills to increase the number of students entering access courses and further education.
However, through Work Based Learning for Adults, this Department does offer people access to a range of occupational skills training and gives them the opportunity to work towards a recognised qualification that will increase their chances of finding work.
We also contribute to the Department for Education and Skills' target on Basic Skills by screening clients for basic skills needs, making referrals for assessment and then offering training to those who need it.