Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg says he was a UCAS-style service to help school-leavers find training if they don’t go to university.

He unveiled the plans to tackle youth unemployment, calling them a “safety net” that would also create stronger links between schools and local employers.

He said Job Centres would be charged with offering job-hunting advice to 16 and 17 year-olds.

Neil Carberry, CBI director for employment and skills policy, said: “The CBI has long called for a UCAS-style system for vocational qualifications.

“This is a major step forward in making vocational routes more visible and will help put it on a level footing with more traditional academic routes.

“With too many young people still unemployed Jobcentres will need to hit the ground running and tailor help to meet the needs of the local economy.”