Oral Answers to Questions

Adrian Bailey Excerpts

Thursday 8th January 2015 Commons Chamber

[Vince Cable]

That is a rather creative stretch to the low-carbon economy, but specifically on postgraduate education, the hon. Gentleman will be aware that we have just introduced a postgraduate loan scheme for the first time.

[Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co-op)]

6. What steps he is taking to increase the number of apprenticeship places through Government procurement.

[Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab)]

15. If he will make greater use of Government procurement to increase apprenticeship places.

[Mr Bailey]

In their response to a Business, Innovation and Skills Committee report on this issue, the Government said that they were

“working on guidance to encourage best practice amongst local authorities”.

This National Apprenticeship Service guidance was subsequently published in July. It was eight pages long, and the first six pages were devoted to problems in securing this policy and case studies of failed projects. Does the Minister agree that if we are to realise the policy’s full potential, we need a far more robust and proactive approach by the Government?

[Nick Boles]

I certainly agree that there is more to be done, which is why I have had several meetings with Lord Deighton, the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury, to work out exactly how we can make it an integral part of the procurement process for all major infrastructure projects that there is a clear commitment by all successful bidders to invest in skills training and in the creation of apprenticeships.