§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps he is taking to ensure that young people and their families are being prepared through the 13 to 19 curriculum for the effects of demographic changes to the workforce over the coming decade and possible skills mismatches. [175845]
§ Mr. MilibandThe Government set out their strategy for the 14–19 phase of education in their policy document, 14–19: "Opportunity and Excellence". They have asked the Working Group on 14–19 Reform to recommend how there might be greater coherence in vocational learning programmes for all young people in their 14–19 education and on a unified framework of qualifications suitable for all learners. The Group's interim report was published in February and its final report is expected in the Autumn. The Government have already taken action to bring work related and vocational education into the mainstream of the secondary system to help address skills needs. Among other measures: work related learning will become a statutory requirement for all at KS4 from September 2004; qualifications such as the GCSEs in vocational subjects have been introduced to extend the curriculum offer; and programmes such as "Increased Flexibility for 14–16 Year Olds" and "Young Apprenticeships" will provide off-site placements and experience of work for students wanting more applied learning. The Skills Strategy, published in July 2003, set out an over-arching vision for equipping individuals and employers with the 1823W skills they need in order to increase productivity, increase personal returns and close the skills gaps with our international competitors.
§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how his Department is(a) balancing the targeted social welfare agenda and the skills agenda and (b) taking into account (i) the OECD review of career development, (ii) the inquiry by the Education and Skills Select Committee into skills strategy and (iii) changing workforce demography; and if he will make a statement. [175848]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisIn response to the hon. Member's first question, the Department is working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions to balance the targeted social welfare agenda and the skills agenda.
The Skills Strategy White Paper—"21st Century Skills: Realising Our Potential", published July 2003— invited the National Employer Panel to look at this specific issue. The Panel reported in February 2004 with a number of recommendations. We are taking these forward these recommendations working with DWP, the LSC and Jobcentre Plus. Building on this report, in the Budget, the Chancellor announced a New Deal for Skills. This will focus on the low skilled who are on benefits— both active and inactive—and help them acquire the skills they need for sustained employment.
In response to his second question, the Education and Skills Select Committee started its inquiry into skills in January focusing initially on 14 to 19 agenda; it is currently on-going and is due to continue after the summer recess. We await the conclusions of the Committee's work with interest.
The OECD report, "Career Guidance and Public Policy: Bridging the Gap" (published March 2004), highlighted some positive activity in the UK in relation to career guidance and good practice. We recognise that services such as the Connexions Service for young people, the work of Jobcentre Plus and the reform of IAG services for adults must take account of the demographic changes in the UK. I recognise that the demographic changes show that there will be an older workforce, and we must look to the integration of the skills and welfare agenda to both re-skill and up-skill older workers, and to support and encourage those people on benefits into work with appropriate training. That is why the New Deal for Skills agenda is so important.