Education (Student Support)

Debate between Bambos Charalambous and Robert Halfon

Wednesday 9th May 2018 Commons Chamber

[Robert Halfon]

As so often, my hon. Friend is a mind reader. I will address her point, but of course she is right.

These jobs should not be limited to degree level; we should ensure there are apprenticeships in healthcare professions from level 3. We must have sufficient progression for those already working in the sector. The nursing associate role is a positive step that will provide opportunities for healthcare assistants to progress within the sector. From there, they could train to become registered nurses, if they wish.

[Bambos Charalambous (Enfield, Southgate) (Lab)]

Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?

[Robert Halfon]

This is the last intervention because I am conscious that other people want to speak.

[Bambos Charalambous]

In the light of the poor recruitment to the apprenticeship schemes, does the right hon. Gentleman agree it is best to keep both routes open—the bursaries and the apprenticeship schemes—to maximise the number of people coming into the system?

[Robert Halfon]

I thought that initially, but I have listened to my hon. Friend the Minister’s arguments. There was previously a cap, and not everybody was able to get into the system. If we can encourage people down the apprenticeship route, they earn while they learn, there is no debt and they get a lot more than they would get if they had a bursary.