Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to increase the number of apprenticeship starts in his Department.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will shortly launch a Talent Strategy in which apprenticeships play a central role in building the delivery capability DESNZ needs to be a mission-focused department. The department has a well-established apprenticeship offer, with around 84 apprentices currently in post.

As part of the Talent Strategy, we will increase the range and number of apprenticeships we offer by:

• launching a social mobility apprenticeship programme, focused on supporting actively unemployed individuals into employment through apprenticeships

• increasing opportunities for school leavers, including participating in the new Careers Launch Apprenticeship programme
• expanding the apprenticeship offer by procuring new contracts in priority capability areas

The Department has a core apprenticeship offer available to all staff and continues to onboard apprentices through centralised programmes run by the Civil Service Apprenticeship Unit and other initiatives. DESNZ is committed to creating early career opportunities for both current and new apprentices.