Education Return and Awarding Qualifications in 2021

Shaun Bailey Excerpts

Thursday 25th February 2021 Commons Chamber

[Shaun Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Con) [V]]

We have made much of schools, but we should not forget that a significant number of young people and children are in vocational education and on apprenticeships. I have recently been contacted by BCTG Group in Oldbury in my constituency, which is very concerned about the large number of apprentices who have not been able to carry forward their qualification because they have not been able to access functional English and mathematics courses during the pandemic. What work is my right hon. Friend doing to ensure that apprentices across the Black Country and more widely can access these vital functional skills courses, so that they do not get locked in and can finally achieve the qualifications for which they have worked so hard?

[Gavin Williamson]

My hon. Friend raises a very important point, and apprentices will be able to access these courses online so that they are able to complete their studies and their training.