Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if the Government will consider extending the student loans system to cover training and apprenticeships for the freight industry.

Adult learners undertaking full Level 3 or Level 4 qualifications approved for public funding may be eligible for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan. These include A Levels, Access to HE Diplomas and other Certificates and Diplomas, many of which will be appropriate to the freight industry.

Apprenticeships are jobs with training. Funding for the training element of an apprenticeship is provided by the Government and the employer – not the apprentice. Student loans are therefore not appropriate for apprenticeships.