Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what route will remain available for apprentices to gain the necessary qualifications for relevant posts in the absence of the apprenticeship for small commercial vessel crewmembers; and what alternatives are available to young people who wish to pursue a maritime career in general.

The government recognises the importance of maritime apprenticeships in helping employers develop a skilled workforce. Skills England works with employers and sector bodies to develop and maintain a range of maritime apprenticeship standards, ensuring they reflect employer needs.

Skills England is consulting with stakeholders on retiring some occupational standards. This is often due to low levels of new starts or delivery challenges, including limited provider availability. In this context, "retirement" means that the apprenticeship would close to new starts, while existing apprentices would normally be able to complete their training. The consultation is still live and so no final decision has been taken.

Information on the number of apprentices who may be affected in each region of England is not currently available, as no decision has been taken.

Young people wishing to pursue maritime careers can access a range of technical qualifications and employer-led training programmes. For more information please see, Occupational Maps: Skills England.

To further increase apprenticeship opportunities, the Government is introducing a £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment for non-levy paying employers who recruit 16 to 24-year-olds as new apprentice employees. In addition, apprenticeship training is now fully funded for all eligible under-25s at employers of all sizes, helping more young people access opportunities in sectors such as maritime.