Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment he has made of the effect of his Department's apprenticeship scheme on families claiming in-work benefits.

Apprenticeships are paid jobs with training and the benefits system treats an apprenticeship in the same way as any other job.

As an employee aged 18 or over, an apprentice may be entitled to the usual in-work benefits. Further information can be found at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/

Apprenticeships offer significant monetary returns to individuals who complete them. Over a working life this adds up to between £48,000 and £74,000 for a level 2 apprenticeship; and between £77,000 and £117,000 for a level 3 apprenticeship.