Smartcard will reward learning

The Government has launched a new smartcard for teenagers who stay on at school and has called on businesses to offer card-based discounts on travel, entertainment and leisure.

"The Connexions Card will reward young people who continue learning by giving them something in return," said education minister Malcolm Wicks.

Eight pilot schemes are underway and a full national roll-out of the card to two million teenagers is planned for autumn 2001.

The Government said the card will act as an e-purse for the payment of education maintenance grants, hold CV information, speed student enrolment in learning institutions and monitor and track their attendance.