To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps are being taken to involve further education colleges in providing vocational skills to secondary school pupils. (118954)

The Increased Flexibility programme has created approximately 290 partnerships of further education (FE) colleges, schools and other agents that provide enhanced vocational and work-related learning opportunities for local 14 to 16-years-olds. FE colleges also play a key role in the delivery of the Young Apprenticeship programme, enabling 14 to 16-year-olds to pursue industry-specific vocational programmes and qualifications outside school. FE colleges will be delivering diplomas, most often as part of consortiums involving schools and employers, from September 2008. Colleges have been recognised as key stakeholders and are represented as members of the Diploma Development Partnerships.