Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, (a) what steps the her Department is taking to increase access to technical education and apprenticeship opportunities for young people in Nottinghamshire; and (b) what discussions the Department has had with local employers about aligning training provision with future skills needs.

The government is determined to ensure that young people in Nottinghamshire can access high-quality technical education and apprenticeships leading to skilled employment.

The department is strengthening technical pathways for those aged 14 and older, introducing new V Levels and expanding T Levels at 16-19, and working with employers, schools, colleges and local leaders to ensure provision reflects skills needs.

To support 50,000 more young people into apprenticeships, we are now fully funding apprenticeships for eligible young people under 25 and have introduced a £2,000 hiring payment for non-levy paying employers, typically small to medium enterprises (SMEs), that recruit apprentices under 25. We have also introduced foundation apprenticeships to provide entry level opportunities in key sectors.

Local Skills Improvement Plans, published in July 2026, provide an employer-led assessment of local skills needs to 2029 and set out priority actions for employers, providers and partners to help address skills gaps. Nottinghamshire is covered by the East Midlands Local Skills Improvement Plan. Our approach to devolution ensures that strategic authorities will play a stronger role in shaping skills provision around future skills needs.