Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Jones Excerpts

Thursday 27th October 2022 Commons Chamber

[Brendan Clarke-Smith]

Again, I refer the hon. Member to my earlier answers. If he would like to meet me, I am more than happy to discuss the issue with him at greater length.

[Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con)]

10. What steps his Department is taking to increase apprenticeship opportunities within the civil service.

[The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General (Jeremy Quin)]

As announced in the civil service apprenticeships strategy, we are committed to 5% of total civil service headcount being apprentices by 2025. Some 47,490 apprentices have been recruited since April 2016, with 78% of those being outside London. We will provide entry and progression routes within a range of careers and professions for new and existing staff.

[Andrew Jones]

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. I welcome the fact that hundreds of civil service jobs have moved to the north from London as part of our levelling-up drive. It is important to the north that the maximum potential is released by that move. To achieve that, can the Minister assure me that apprenticeship opportunities will be available alongside the move?