Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Derek Twigg and Margot James

Tuesday 31st January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Margot James]

Last week the Government launched the new industrial strategy, and the new academies programme for improving skills and access to apprenticeships is working with the existing apprenticeship programme to improve both the quality and number of apprentices.

[Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab)]

Given that further education colleges have an important role in providing skills and training and help many people to become self-employed workers, does it make sense to cut their budgets?

[Margot James]

Further education colleges remain an important part of our strategy to improve skills and access to apprenticeships, but they are not the only route to apprenticeships. The apprenticeship levy will increase funding for overall access to skills for our young people.