John Denham has announced plans to ensure that young people who don't go to university are guaranteed support to continue their education and training,

All 19-25 year olds who do not have at least the equivalent of 2 A levels (level 3 qualifications), will be entitled to free training worth around £7,000 to fund training to this level. This will benefit around 100,000 young people nationally.

Additionally all young people, including those who have A levels, will be entitled to an apprenticeship credit – a voucher for training that they can use with potential employers who could offer them an apprenticeship.

John Denham, who is the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, said "This is great news for Southampton. The Labour Government is putting in place support for all young people who want to get on in life – as an apprentice, training in work, or at university."

"Our aim is to give everyone the opportunity to make the most of their talents and secure their own prosperity through improving their chances to get and keep the jobs of the future. The steps we have announced today are a key part of our plans."

NOTES TO EDITORS

·

From this autumn, all young people aged 19-25 years old who do not have at least level 3 (A Level) qualifications will be entitled to free training, typically worth £7,000, to fund training to Level 3. The current limited offer for college based students studying in their own time will be extended to all 19-25 year olds including those being trained at work. Labour is taking a key step to ensuring that young people who choose not to go to university are guaranteed support to continue their education and training. Young people who get a place in higher education are guaranteed support; now the majority of other young people will be helped in a similar way.

·

Those young people who may have achieved A Levels will also be entitled to an Apprenticeship Credit - a voucher for training that they can use to approach employers who may offer them an apprenticeship place.

·

From 2010 the new scheme will form part of the personal skills accounts that will be available to all adults that will guarantee training for older people up to at least Level 2.

The government has built up apprenticeships from 75,000 in 1997 to 180,000 last year.