Written question asked by Lord Boswell of Aynho (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 October 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 October 2007. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 October 2007 on behalf of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Vocational Education

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what steps he is taking together with (a) Jobcentre Plus and (b) the Department of Work and Pensions to improve coordination of education and training programmes in the post-16 sector.

Answer: The Department and the Learning and Skills Council are working closely with the Department of Work and Pensions and Jobcentre Plus to implement the proposals outlined in World Class Skills: Implementing the Leitch Review of Skills in England and the Green Paper: In Work, better off, both published in July this year.There is a joint commitment to provide services to help low skilled people and those disadvantaged in the labour market into sustainable employment and progression in work and in skills. We will give greater ownership and choice to individuals over their training through skills accounts backed up by a new universal adult careers service promoting personal advancement. Jobcentre Plus has a pivotal role in ensuring its customers can access skills training both before and during employment. The LSC is ensuring that its budget is progressively spent on more responsive and flexible training tailored to the needs of the individual and local job opportunities. The LSC and Jobcentre Plus have had joint plans in place since 2005 across England which are reviewed regularly.

Secondary information