AN east Durham MP has called on employers to play a more active role in training the workforce of the future.

Urging a new and positive approach, John Cummings warned that too many 16 to 18- year-olds in the Easington district had low expectations of their abilities and prospects.

The problems in the teenage sector, he said, were partially due to the relative isolation of east Durham and the demise of traditional industries.

Speaking yesterday, Mr Cummings said there had been a significant increase in the number of adults obtaining qualifications in the district through East Durham and Houghall Community College and community based learning.

But he added: "We need to turn our attention to the 16 to 18-year age group and ensure they are given every opportunity to achieve their full potential."

He said: "It is not simply a case of dragooning reluctant young people into further education.

"Employers have an important role in offering training to young people entering the labour market.''

Former miner Mr Cummings believes modern apprenticeships offer excellent vocational based training options, the cost of which is met by central government through the Learning and Skills Council.

He said: "I would appeal to local employers to make sure they are playing their part in training the workforce of the future.''

Underlining his concern for the prospects for the 16 to18- year-olds he said: "At the moment we have a very narrow definition of learning. Some schools tend to undervalue non-academic work based training.''

And there were, he said, clear signs of skill shortages in certain key trades such as plumbing.

The loss of the Northern Training Trust, he said, had left a void for teenagers in Easington district, but he expressed his optimism that the Government's new Entry to Employment would provide more training opportunities.

He said: "It is vitally important in the changing employment market that young people have adequate educational qualifications and work based vocational training to enable them to face the future with confidence."