Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking with Skills England, the West Midlands Combined Authority and life sciences employers to develop training and employment pathways into laboratory, clinical research and advanced manufacturing roles for people who are not in education, employment or training.

The Government is committed to improving opportunities across the skills system, with a particular focus on young people and those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). Skills England works closely with employers, sector bodies and regional partners to support the development of technical education and apprenticeship pathways that align with labour market demand.

Life sciences is an industrial strategy sector for which a range of progression routes are available, including via apprenticeships, T Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs). Pathways are designed to support progression, with entry into life science roles through level 2 apprenticeships such as engineering operative or level 3 apprenticeships including laboratory technician and metrology technician. Skills England also worked with the West Midlands Combined Authority last year to develop a new HTQ to fill a critical skills gap in MedTech. Additionally, T Levels offer an alternative entry through the science or healthcare science T Levels.

Following publication of the final Milburn Review report, Skills England will work with relevant government departments, agencies, and local partners to support the implementation of recommendations aimed at reducing the number of young people who are NEET and improving access to high-quality training and employment opportunities.