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Dept for Education and Skills

Answer

Mr. Willis: To 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. Miliband: The 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 skills they need in order to increase productivity, increase personal returns and close the skills gaps with our international competitors.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

175845; 421 c1822-3W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Curriculum Adult education Training Vacancies Skilled workers

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk