Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 10 April 2025 to Question 44144 on Armed Forces: Training, what steps his Department has taken to improve the Royal Air Force Apprenticeship programme’s Ofsted rating.

The RAF is committed to continuous improvement and has identified several measures to build on the Good Ofsted rating awarded to the Royal Air Force Apprenticeship programme last year.

• Ten Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) positions have been established to assist Apprenticeship Centres with ensuring the apprentice’s journey continues to meet Ofsted’s requirement.
• A further 30 FTRS positions are to be established at operational units to provide support, advice and guidance in the completion of apprenticeships.
• Apprenticeship Management Groups have been introduced to engage all stakeholders, alongside the development of an apprenticeship webpage including unit-based apprenticeship points of contact.
• An Apprentice Handbook will be introduced to cover the latest guidance, practical tips and signposting to internal and external support organisations.