Oral Answers to Questions

Karl McCartney Excerpts

Monday 6th January 2014 Commons Chamber

[Michael Gove]

I will look closely at the particular case that the hon. Gentleman raises. I know that he has been an effective champion for good school provision in Newark, and I shall ensure that I look closely at the pupil numbers to which he alludes.

[Karl MᶜCartney (Lincoln) (Con)]

3. What steps his Department is taking to improve the quality and quantity of apprenticeships.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

14. What steps his Department is taking to improve the quality and quantity of apprenticeships.

[The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock)]

There were 868,700 people undertaking an apprenticeship last year—more than ever before. We have already taken steps to increase standards and remove low-quality provision, and we will take further such steps.

[Karl MᶜCartney]

I am pleased to hear that our Government are providing more support to young people who do not wish to pursue an academic course at university. Does the Minister agree that we need more participation in the apprenticeship scheme by small and medium-sized enterprises such as PK Automotive in Lincoln, which has joined larger firms such as Siemens in my constituency, and worked with local institutions such as Lincoln college and LAGAT, to help to deliver real opportunities for young people?