Oral Answers to Questions

Jim Cunningham Excerpts

Monday 3rd December 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Iain Wright (Hartlepool) (Lab)]

1. What plans he has for vocational education; and if he will make a statement.

[Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab)]

2. What plans he has for vocational education; and if he will make a statement.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills (Matthew Hancock)]

World-class vocational education is vital for a world-class economy, so we are bringing rigour to vocational education by recognising the best qualifications, strengthening apprenticeships and introducing a Tech Bac to reward and celebrate stretching occupational education.

[Matthew Hancock]

I met EngineeringUK last week at the launch of its report, so I am well versed on its recommendations and very supportive of the need to increase the number of engineers in our country, something that has been sadly lacking for far too long. As the hon. Gentleman knows, we are introducing, along with the Royal Academy, new qualifications that fit the accountability system. We will do what it takes to ensure that this country has enough engineers.

[Mr Jim Cunningham]

What assessment has the Minister made of the Richard report, which recommends that apprenticeships should last at least a year?