Bucks businesses will be amongst thousands of others across the nation being encouraged to take on board from this September 14-16 year olds for two days a week work experience.

The plans launched by government education secretary, Charles Clarke, aim initially to allow 1000 pre-GCSE pupils to leave the classroom for this purpose. The scheme is expected to expand rapidly and is part of an "overhaul" of the ten-year old modern apprenticeship plan.

To begin with this new approach to vocational training will be in the field of engineering, business administration, arts and the media, with other sectors expected to follow.

According to the general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, David Hart: "The scheme will help meet the need of youngster for whom a pure academic diet is inappropriate. However, the apprenticeships must be of high quality to avoid becoming dumping grounds for the disaffected!"

Pupils involved in this new plan will still have study the core curriculum subjects such as English, maths, science and other required subjects such as key skills and citizenship. And, obviously, they will have to have attained the minimum numeracy and literacy standards.

[ENDS]

Andrew Leech, Cross Reference Tel: 01753 884216