Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Hayes and John Stevenson

Thursday 17th February 2011 Commons Chamber

[John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con)]

23. How many apprenticeship starts there have been in the academic year 2010-11 to date.

[The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning (Mr John Hayes)]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier.

[John Stevenson]

Carlisle has five major factories, as well as many small ones, and they all need a skilled work force. Does the Minister agree that the expansion of apprenticeships is vital to fill the gaps in our economy, and that apprenticeships must get the status they deserve?

[Mr Hayes]

Yes, we must drive up their status; we must elevate the practical. The aesthetic of apprenticeships matters, and I am determined to ensure that those who achieve vocational, practical and technical competence are as revered as—indeed, perhaps more revered than—we who pursued the academic route.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Hayes and John Stevenson

Monday 7th February 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hayes]

The hon. Gentleman is far too experienced as a Minister to expect me to make that kind of on-the-hoof promise. Equally, he knows that we are determined to amend this scheme to allow it to be targeted using the discretion to do the kind of things that he highlighted. After all, his own shadow Secretary of State has said:

“I have never set my face against changes or savings to the EMA scheme.”—[Official Report, 19 January 2011; Vol. 521, c. 863.]

[John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con)]

3. What plans he has to raise standards of the teaching profession; and if he will make a statement.