Apprenticeships

Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Labour – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 6 December 1965.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Sir Albert Costain Sir Albert Costain , Folkestone and Hythe 12:00, 6 December 1965

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in the development of group apprenticeship training facilities between firms.

Photo of Mr Ernest Thornton Mr Ernest Thornton , Farnworth

There are some 3,000 apprentices from 850 firms participating in group apprenticeship schemes, of which there are about 70 now running. During 1965, this Ministry has offered grants towards the development costs of eleven new schemes.

Photo of Sir Albert Costain Sir Albert Costain , Folkestone and Hythe

Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that proposals for this kind of thing are going ahead sufficiently quickly? Has he proposals to improve progress?

Photo of Mr Ernest Thornton Mr Ernest Thornton , Farnworth

I am hoping that the industrial training boards will help in handling this very desirable process in industries where there is a large number of small and medium-sized firms.

Photo of Sir Albert Costain Sir Albert Costain , Folkestone and Hythe

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made towards getting a reduction in the number of years required for apprenticeship training.

Photo of Mr Ernest Thornton Mr Ernest Thornton , Farnworth

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given by my hon. Friend the former Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry to similar Questions on 14th June last. Since then, further sections of the construction industry have reduced the period of apprenticeship, and the electricity supply industry has also recommended a reduction.

Photo of Sir Albert Costain Sir Albert Costain , Folkestone and Hythe

Would not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the progressive state of the construction industry is an example to other industries, and will he do his best to see that those other industries emulate the construction industry?

Photo of Mr Ernest Thornton Mr Ernest Thornton , Farnworth

Yes, Sir. I will certainly look at that point.

Photo of Mr Cyril Bence Mr Cyril Bence , Dunbartonshire East

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that it is as important, or even more important, to improve the quality of apprenticeship training as to diminish the number of years to be served?

Photo of Mr Ernest Thornton Mr Ernest Thornton , Farnworth

My hon. Friend can take it that our Ministry will pay very close regard to that factor.

Photo of Mr Bernard Weatherill Mr Bernard Weatherill , Croydon North East

asked the Minister of Labour what progress he has made in the last 12 months in arranging that school leavers may start their apprenticeships after the age of 16; and what official discussions he has had with trade unions on the subject.

Photo of Mr Ernest Thornton Mr Ernest Thornton , Farnworth

In most industries employing large numbers of apprentices, provision is made for entry to apprenticeship after the age of 16. It is one of the responsibilities of the industrial training boards to make recommendations with regard to the age of entry into training and where it is necessary I shall expect them to take a progressive line on this subject.

Photo of Mr Bernard Weatherill Mr Bernard Weatherill , Croydon North East

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say how many unions persist in this out-of-date practice? What action will he take to correct it?

Photo of Mr Ernest Thornton Mr Ernest Thornton , Farnworth

I do not think there are many unions which persist in this practice. There is a common impression that 16 is the maximum age at which an apprenticeship can be started, but that is not so. I should like the hon. Member to appreciate—no doubt he does—that this is rather dependent on agreements between employers and trade unions. Some agreements fix no upper age limit, some have 16 or 18 as the upper age limit and most of those which fix an upper age Limit make some agreement for exceptions.