Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to increase the number of (a) BAME people and (b) people with disabilities taking part in apprenticeships.

We are committed to ensuring that high quality apprenticeships are as accessible as possible to all people from all backgrounds.

We have set an ambitious target to increase the proportion of apprenticeships started by people from BAME backgrounds by 20% by 2020. We are developing a programme of work which will seek to further increase BAME apprenticeship starts in areas where they have fewer opportunities. We are targeting the national `Get in Go Far` marketing campaign at individuals from BAME backgrounds, including showcasing BAME apprentices in high status professional roles.

We are improving access to apprenticeships for people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. This includes implementing the recommendations from the Maynard Taskforce, published in July 2016: For the first time British Sign Language can be an alternative to English Functional Skills for those whom it is their first language; we are developing new communications and guidance products; and are looking at ways to adjust the English and maths minimum requirements to enable apprentices with a learning difficulty or disability to access apprenticeships. Where an apprentice requires further learning support because they have a condition such as dyslexia, a learning difficulty or disability, providers can claim up to £150 a month to help with the costs of the adjustments they need to fully participate in their training, and more in exceptional circumstances.

On 21 February 2017 we launched the Apprenticeships Diversity Champions Network. This network will be engaging and inspiring employers and communities to ensure that apprenticeships are represented by people from a diverse range of backgrounds and abilities, reflecting the widest spectrum of our society. The 23 members are tasked with championing disability in their own organisations and amongst their peers. They are committed to encouraging other employers to promote diversity in apprenticeships, and to championing apprenticeships in BAME communities.

Our Technical Education reforms will support young people with special educational needs and disabilities and other vulnerable groups like care leavers.