Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stuart Andrew and Matt Hancock

Monday 24th March 2014 Commons Chamber

[Matthew Hancock]

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, the number of apprenticeships has risen sharply over the past few years, but at the same time we have to drive up the quality of the programme. Of course, all steps that can be taken must be taken in all areas, and I will ensure that the issue of south Yorkshire is raised specifically at the next meeting of the apprenticeship ambassadors network.

[Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con)]

A number of businesses in my constituency have been reluctant to take part in apprenticeship schemes, fearing that they are bureaucratic and do not address individual needs. Does my hon. Friend agree that the only way to bring true benefit to young people is to train them in the skills that business and industry actually need, which will also help to fill the skills gap?

[Matthew Hancock]

I could not have put it better myself, and I agree strongly with my hon. Friend. That is what we are trying to do, by having a three-click programme for an employer to take on an apprentice and through wider reforms.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stuart Andrew and Matt Hancock

Thursday 23rd January 2014 Commons Chamber

[Matthew Hancock]

As I said, we do that on some of the largest procurements. If we are talking about action, the fact that a record number of people are in apprenticeships is action that we should support, and the fact that 1.5 million people across the country have started apprenticeships since 2010 is also action we should all be proud of.

[Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con)]

3. What recent assessment he has made of the level of UK exports.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stuart Andrew and Matt Hancock

Monday 11th November 2013 Commons Chamber

[Matthew Hancock]

No, because the 16-to-19 bursary fund is better targeted. It is typical of Opposition’s proposals that the shadow Secretary of State’s proposal to bring back EMA came with a measure to pay for it that would have raised just over £100 million, leaving yet another black hole.

[Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con)]

2. What steps he is taking to improve support for young carers.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stuart Andrew and Matt Hancock

Thursday 7th February 2013 Commons Chamber

[Matthew Hancock]

That is an important question. This summer, we introduced destination data that showed not only the proportion of children who go to university but the percentage from each school and college that go into apprenticeships. There is a new, important duty on schools to provide independent and impartial guidance. Ofsted will conduct a thematic review—to report in the summer—to show how progress has been made.

[Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con)]

T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.