The eighth annual report about the performance of English Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs) finds things on a pretty even keel, according to Lifelong Learning Minister Malcolm Wicks.

The latest performance indicators for 1999-2000 show that out of every 100 young people who left TEC training, 65 obtained an NVQ. Of these, 18 obtained an NVQ at Level 3 and above, compared to 16 in 1998-99. In other areas the overall achievement rates for young people remained broadly constant. The Investors in People indicator for companies with 50 or more employees is that 45% of them should be recognised as Investors in People by 2002. Two thirds of this target has been reached so far.

Mr Wicks said: "The performance indicators released today show that the new Learning and Skills Council will inherit a stable infrastructure when it comes into effect in April 2001.

"Training and Enterprise Councils have done much to help people move into training and work, including Modern Apprentices and adults with basic skills needs. The Learning and Skills Council will take over much of this work in April 2001 and the TECs are working to make this transition as smooth as possible. The LSC will benefit from lessons learned by the TECs and cost savings of over £50 million are planned.

"I would like to thank the TEC National Council and all the local councils for their work over the last 10 years. They have made a substantial contribution towards training and education for young people and adults."

In 1999-2000 TECs were asked to place a particular focus on people who were harder to help, including those needing basic skills. They needed to stay in training for longer, which meant that the cost per job placement increased significantly. Also, while qualification rates for adult trainees were stable, job outcomes fell because people who are harder to help take longer to train and become job-ready.

Copies of the full report are available by telephoning 0114 259 3749.