Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will hold discussions with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the potential merits of establishing a specialised apprenticeship scheme for women who want to pursue careers in (a) engineering and (b) mechanics.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

Apprenticeships are a great way for women to receive high-quality training and begin or progress in a career in engineering or mechanics. There are over 80 occupationally specific apprenticeship standards available in these sectors, such as digital engineering technician at level 3 and electro-mechanical engineer at level 6. The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education ensures that all standards have a gender-neutral language approach, to ensure that they are appealing to both women and men.

The department has no plans to introduce a specialised apprenticeship scheme for women. Our Apprenticeships Diversity Champions Network is championing gender representation amongst employers in sectors that are traditionally male dominated, such as engineering and mechanics, and we continue to promote apprenticeships to girls in schools through our Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge Programme.