Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to increase the level of investment in training for 16 to 25 year olds in the adult care sector.

The Department continues to spend significant levels of funding to train and develop the adult social care workforce, including those aged between 16-25.

In 2016/17, the Department will provide £23 million in funding to Skills for Care for the training and development of the adult social care workforce including for 16-25 year olds. This includes £12 million for the Workforce Development Fund which provides support to employers for modules and qualifications for their workers in adults’ services in the private and voluntary sectors.

The Department is working closely with the sector skills council partner, Skills for Care, through programmes such as apprenticeships in social care and Care Ambassadors which promote positive image of the sector in schools and colleges.