Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that skills and talents decide people gain graduate jobs.

The Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper sets out our vision for a skills system that meets the needs of students and employers.

Graduate outcomes remain strong, with graduates more likely to be in employment, work in highly skilled occupations and earn more over their lifetimes than non-graduates. However, higher education is not the right route for everyone. We want all learners to be supported to make informed choices about the pathway that is right for them, whether that is a university degree, an apprenticeship, technical education or another route.

Through the Jobs and Careers Service and wider careers reforms, we are helping people access high-quality information, advice and guidance so they can make those decisions with a clear understanding of the opportunities available.

Demand for higher-level skills is expected to continue growing, with around two-thirds of additional employment demand in priority sectors by 2030 expected to come from roles requiring Level 4 qualifications and above. Universities have a central role to play in meeting that need and ensuring that graduates are equipped for the jobs of the future.