Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent steps his Department has taken to encourage apprenticeship uptake by people who are from a BAME background.

To drive up apprenticeships among underrepresented groups, including black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals, last month we launched a new partnership with five major cities in England, supported by city Mayors, to ensure apprenticeships are accessible to individuals from all backgrounds.

Our Apprenticeship Diversity Champions Network, now comprised of over 40 employers, continues to influence the behaviour of other employers to support more people from underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities, women, and members of black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, to access apprenticeships.

We celebrated National Apprenticeship in 5-9 March, celebrating the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.