Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment has been made as to the impact on placement students following the changes to the apprenticeship levy.

This government is transforming the apprenticeships offer into a new growth and skills offer, which will give greater flexibility to employers and learners and support the industrial strategy.

In August, we introduced new foundation apprenticeships for young people in targeted sectors, as well as shorter duration apprenticeships. These flexibilities will help more people learn new high-quality skills at work and fuel innovation in businesses across the country.

From April 2026, we will introduce new short courses as part of the growth and skills offer with the first wave called apprenticeship units. They will be available in critical skills areas such as artificial intelligence, digital and engineering. Further details will be shared in due course.

An apprenticeship is a job with training, rather than a placement which is something that is part of some further or higher education courses.