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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Dr. Twinn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to restructure apprentice training within the Army.[25538] Mr. Soames: A review of apprentice training arrangements in the Army has recommended, subject to consultation, that they should be restructured along the lines of the Government flagship initiative on modern apprenticeship training, which is intended to raise the competence and competitiveness of the UK work force as a whole. The Army's scheme, which will encompass the Royal Engineers, Royal Signals, Royal Signals Corps and the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, would be open to young people aged 16 1/2 to 18 1/2, and would commence with a common 28-week foundation course at Rowcroft barracks, Arborfield followed by technical training at the appropriate arm or service's trade training school and a period of on-the-job training leading to the award of a national vocational qualification--period of on-the-job training leading to the award of a national vocational qualification--NVQ--level three within three to four years. The proposals would necessitate some revision to our previous plans to transfer all R Signals apprentice training to Blandford. Under the new arrangements, future R Signals apprentices would still complete their trade training at Blandford, but only after completing their 28-week foundation course at Arborfield.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

25538; 275 c459-60W

Session

1995-96

Subjects

Armed forces Army Apprentices Training Young people National vocational qualifications