Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps the Government is taking to increase the number of women taking up apprenticeships.

Women made up over 50% of apprenticeship starts in England over the past 4 years, just as they make up more than half of people entering higher education.

We want to make apprenticeships accessible to the widest possible range of people, as part of meeting our commitment to reach 3 million starts by 2020.

To increase apprenticeship starts, the Enterprise Bill will set targets for public bodies to employ apprentices. We have amended procurement rules to demonstrate a clear commitment to apprenticeships.