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1. The Committee notes the Government's report which states that the Ministry of Labour has a proposal for vocational education coordinated with labour and wages policy. The aim is to eliminate illiteracy among young people and adults, and at the same time to guarantee availability of vocational training sufficient to allow at least 20 per cent of the economically active population to undergo training and retraining every year. The Committee observes, as the Government also notes in its report, that these objectives are closely linked to employment policy. With reference to its comments on the application of the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88) and the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), the Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to describe the methods used to put into practice comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes in the field of vocational guidance and training and their relationship with employment and the public employment services (Article 1, paragraphs 1 to 4, of the Convention).

2. The Committee notes with interest the information on the National Programme of Worker Training (PLANFOR), and the assessment of the programme, provided by the Government with its report. The Committee trusts that the Government will continue to supply information on the manner in which the systems of vocational guidance and vocational training are made to meet lifelong vocational training needs in all sectors of the economy (Articles 3 and 4).

3. The Committee notes the observations of the Union of Railway Enterprises Workers, area of Mogiana concerning the situation of apprentices at one company, and the detailed reply sent by the Government. The Committee again refers to Article 4 of the Convention and to the provisions of Paragraph 16 and subsequent Paragraphs of Recommendation No. 150, and would be grateful if the Government would include in its next report information on the efforts made to ensure that all young people have the opportunity of initial vocational training.