Post-18 Education

Debate between Giles Watling and Damian Hinds

Tuesday 20th February 2018 Commons Chamber

[Damian Hinds]

The hon. Lady is right to talk about the choices that are made early. That is why drawing attention to the so-called facilitating subjects can be useful for keeping people’s options open for higher education. The point also highlights why we need to make clear early in school the routes to technical and vocational as well as higher education.

[Giles Watling (Clacton) (Con)]

Does the Secretary of State agree that high-quality apprenticeships are key to addressing the UK’s skills shortages?

[Damian Hinds]

I agree entirely. That is why we have such bold ambition for what we will do on apprenticeships—not just the numbers, but with the Institute for Apprenticeships, and moving from frameworks to standards to ensure that they deliver what business needs.