Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions her Department has had with local education providers in West Dorset on skills and apprenticeship provision.

The approach in West Dorset follows the pattern and approach across the country. The department retains oversight and engagement with all post-16 providers through its Regional Performance Teams. There is a specific focus on working with further education colleges, local authorities and independent training providers who deliver apprenticeships. Each college has an accountability statement which focuses on local and national skills needs and is reviewed by this team. The department reviews the college’s performance on apprenticeships and skills through the Annual Strategic Conversation meeting, and during a spring and autumn review. This information is moderated at a national level.

The Regional Performance Team has undertaken some additional focused work with Coastland College (formerly Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College) in their development following merger in August 2024. There is a clear focus on developing apprenticeships in line with local need.