Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, on what basis the decision was made to count foundation apprentices as new construction workers from the start of their apprenticeship.

Foundation apprenticeship starts, including on the Construction and the built environment occupational route, are published in the Apprenticeships statistics publication, which can be accessed at: Release home - Apprenticeships - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK

Foundation apprenticeships are an additional route for young people who need extra support to move from education into work. As with any new apprenticeship offer, employers will need time to understand how foundation apprenticeships can support their workforce need and recruitment plans.

We are engaging with employers and providers to gain insight into how foundation apprenticeships can better support recruitment needs and encourage wider take-up.

Apprenticeships, including foundation apprenticeships, are jobs with training. Foundation apprentices are employed from the start of their apprenticeship and are therefore counted as part of the construction workforce from the point they begin working and training with an employer.