TECs fear Budget mauling

TRAINING and Enterprise Councils are reporting improved enrolment and success-rate figures, but fear that their funding will be slashed in next week's Budget.

Enrolments for NVQ-based youth training programmes have risen by 7 per cent since last year, standing at over 251,000 in April 1996, according to the TEC national council. "And TECs are reporting that enrolments during 1996/97 are up to 20 per cent ahead on planned figures," it said.

In a letter to Education Secretary Gillian Shephard, TEC national council chairman Garry Johnson appealed to the Government to "ensure that the growth in numbers of young people choosing the work-based route is matched by appropriate funds".

Meanwhile, at this week's launch of the first National Education Business Activity Week, Mrs Shephard applauded the "tremendous enthusiasm, commitment and skill demonstrated" by TECs.