Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what estimate he has made of the (a) number of apprenticeships to be created over each of the next five years and (b) the cost of those apprenticeships.

No estimate has been made of the number or cost of future apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are a demand led programme and therefore not subject to government targets or projections.

The latest information on apprenticeship starts and participation can be found in the Statistical First Release: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learner-participation-outcomes-and-level-of-highest-qualification-held.

The average apprenticeship programme cost to government of learners who completed (or left) in the 2013/14 academic year is estimated at £5,300 for 16-18 year olds and £2,000 for learners aged 19 and over. Please note that this is the government contribution only and does not include any employer contributions.