REVIEW OF TRAINING AND WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (TWES)
GENERAL BACKGROUND
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This consultation paper proposes changes in TWES to update and simplify its conditions in line with changes in the main work permit scheme. In order to meet the needs of business, these changes will allow greater flexibility on the origin of trainees and on the period of training granted. However they will introduce tighter restrictions on the conditions for training to reduce the risk of substitution of cheap labour. Strict controls on transfer to full employment are maintained.
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The main purpose of TWES in the past has been as follows.
TRAINING allows nationals of developing countries to come to the UK for on-the-job training towards an occupational skill or qualification which is not readily available in their own countries but which will be of use there.
WORK EXPERIENCE allows young nationals of any country to come here for a short period of employment (usually a maximum of one year) intended to broaden their industrial or commercial experience.
3 Overseas nationals admitted under TWES are not normally allowed to remain here for ordinary employment in any capacity. Over the years very tight rules have evolved as tc what applications can be approved, for which nationals and for how long. These do not always fit in well with the growth of multi-national companies and the internationalisation of business activity.
4 Training applications cover a wide spectrum of professions but the majority (55%) are for individuals to study accountancy with engineering (14%) and the law (10%) being the next most popular professions. The majority (75%) of training applications are for overseas nationals who have graduated in the UK. In 1990 40% of all training applications were for nationals from Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Work experience is required in a great variety of Occupations with the greatest demand in the financial sector. In 1990 nationals from Japan, USA and Switzerland each accounted for over 10% of work experience applications.
6 In 1990 there were 2469 applications for training and 3487 applications for work experience. This is amounts to a 55%
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