Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Nash on 12 December (HL3767), how they are encouraging young people from the Gypsy and Traveller communities into apprenticeships through the Get In Go Far campaign and by other means.

We are committed to ensuring that apprenticeships are as accessible as possible to all people from all backgrounds, including young people from Gypsy and Traveller communities. Apprenticeships give young people the chance to build a better future by taking their first step on the employment ladder and they give those already in work the opportunity to progress further. We are encouraging a wide range of people from all backgrounds into apprenticeships through our ‘Get In Go Far’ campaign which is aimed at 14-24 year-olds, their parents, teachers and employers. We are increasing numbers of traineeships to further support young people into apprenticeships and further work.

In the apprenticeship funding policy published in October, we announced extra payments for 16-18 year olds and 19-24 year olds formerly in care or with an Education, Health and Care Plan. Employers and providers will receive a payment of £1,000 to support additional costs associated with these apprentices.

We want to ensure we overcome barriers so all can access apprenticeships and support those from disadvantaged areas with over £60m of funding. Providers will receive an additional £600 for training an apprentice who lives in one of the top 10% of deprived areas (as per the Index of Multiple Deprivation), £300 for any apprentice who lives in the next 10% of deprived areas (the 11-20% range), and £200 for those in the next 7% (the 21-27% range). This will be in place for one year whilst we review our approach to supporting disadvantaged apprentices; ensuring apprenticeships provide equal opportunity to all, regardless of their circumstances.