Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, pursuant to the Answer of 29 June 2015 to Question 3911, what steps his Department is taking to increase apprenticeship starts for people aged 18 and below.

We are committed to 3 million apprenticeship starts during the next 5 years and we will work with employers to provide more apprenticeship opportunities for all ages but particularly for our young people.

Measures will include introducing a new duty on public bodies to ensure the employment of more apprentices in the public sector and encouraging employers to develop new apprenticeship standards including for job roles not previously covered by apprenticeships.

In addition, the funding of apprenticeships training undertaken by 16-18 year olds is more generous than for older age groups irrespective of whether they are following a framework or a new apprenticeship standard.