Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to encourage employers to ensure that internship places provide experience of value to participant (a) interns and (b) companies.

The Government continues to promote and encourage the creation of high-quality internships. Our Graduate Talent Pool (www.gov.uk/find-internship), a service aimed at employers and recent graduates, is playing a valuable role. Online guidance, workshops and the quality assurance of all vacancies ensures all internships advertised are providing a valuable and worthwhile opportunity for both parties. However, the key responsibility rests with businesses and education providers, which must work together to help students acquire the skills and knowledge that employers need.