Apprenticeships

The Minister's statement is lacking in detail and fails to address the concerns of universities, local government, and businesses about the new levy. The Labour Government established National Apprenticeship Week and the National Apprenticeship Service. Questions remain about whether the levy will be extra money or a substitute for existing funding, and how it will affect small and medium-sized enterprises. Concerns are also raised regarding the quality of apprenticeships and supervision of the levy's operation.

In response to criticism about the new apprenticeship programme, the Minister clarified that spending on apprenticeship training in England will rise from £1 billion in 2010 to £1.5 billion now and £2.5 billion by the end of this Parliament. The levy is expected to raise £3 billion in 2019-20, with £500 million allocated to devolved administrations for their apprenticeship programmes. Small and medium-sized enterprises will continue receiving Government funding for apprenticeships as before, while larger businesses that pay the levy can expect to benefit from improved standards and quality control.

The Minister was asked about the success of apprenticeship programmes in Aldridge-Brownhills, where over 4,000 apprenticeships have been created since the election. She requested that the Government continue to support the public sector's role in providing new opportunities for young people and women through apprenticeships.

The speaker expressed concerns about the timing of the apprenticeship levy statement, questioning its method and sustainability. He highlighted issues with encroaching on devolved responsibilities in Scotland and criticised the levy's economic impact on employers. He also raised a specific concern about Police Scotland's financial burden.

Minister responded to concerns by emphasising the positive intentions behind the apprenticeship levy and hoped that Scottish Governments would increase their commitment based on extra revenue from the levy. He addressed specific issues raised, such as those affecting Police Scotland, stating that it was not a primary concern.

Speaker acknowledged the new principal at Weymouth College and expressed some reservations about levies. He suggested that if a 'socialist Government' took over, they might increase taxation for other reasons.

Speaker inquired about the public sector apprenticeship target mentioned in the Enterprise Bill and sought more clarity on the levy's impact on employers who will not pay it. He urged for greater transparency to ensure the success of the 3 million apprenticeship target.

Speaker supported the Minister in looking to increase quality by asking employers to make their own choices through the Digital Apprenticeship Service and requested an update on its progress.

Speaker welcomed the Government’s use of public procurement rules for apprenticeships, inquiring about the mechanics behind it, specifically how bidders would demonstrate their commitment to apprenticeships.

Speaker congratulated the Minister on his statement and highlighted the valuable role of apprenticeships in protecting the country through enhancing defence capabilities and offering a large number within armed forces.

Speaker acknowledged the Labour Government's contribution to saving apprenticeships and questioned whether the 3 million target would be met without reducing quality. He requested reassurance on this point.

Speaker inquired about the Institute for Apprenticeships' role in resolving potential problems with apprenticeships, asking when it would be operational.

The Institute for Apprenticeships will come into being in a shadow form this spring, with responsibilities taking over gradually. Specific complaints about training provision will be handled by Ofsted and the Skills Funding Agency, while broader issues will fall under the Institute's purview.

Expressed concern regarding 1,080 job losses at Bombardier in Northern Ireland and the impact on its apprenticeship programme. Inquired about discussions with Northern Ireland counterparts for cooperation on engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships.

Confirmed meetings have been held with devolved Administrations' Ministers to discuss apprenticeships, committing to ongoing biannual meetings to share best practices and ensure the levy boosts apprenticeship activity across all UK regions.

Complimented the Minister's statement. Mentioned hosting an apprenticeship and jobs fair, thanking sponsors for their contributions to the sector.

Acknowledged that apprenticeships are expanding beyond traditional industries like construction or engineering; mentioned possibilities of future higher-level apprentice roles such as apprentice lawyers, accountants, and digital creators.

Inquired about the availability of apprenticeship opportunities at levels 4 and above. Recognised previous Labour Government efforts to revive apprenticeships, advocating for a non-partisan approach.

Confirmed the need for more higher and degree apprenticeships but noted progress with 19,800 starts on higher apprenticeships in 2014-15 and over a thousand starting degree apprenticeships. Acknowledged Labour's contributions to reviving apprenticeships.

Asked for confirmation of the Government’s commitment to providing young people in his region opportunities related to jobs being created in the offshore wind sector.

Reaffirmed commitment to establishing a national college for wind energy, pending readiness of partners. Emphasised importance of colleges securing funding through apprenticeships.

Praised Callum Morton's contribution and Vince Cable's role in government. Inquired about the inclusion of bonuses paid to employee owners under the payroll levy, questioning potential disincentive for employee-owned companies.

Acknowledged Vince Cable’s contribution and provided a general response on PAYE pay inclusion under the levy, promising to provide more detailed information in writing.

Celebrated achievements in Rochester and Strood regarding apprenticeships. Asked for assurance that the Government will work with colleges to ensure adequate provision and development of apprenticeship programmes.

Acknowledged Kelly Tolhurst's achievements, committed to supporting colleges in securing more funding for apprenticeships.

Welcomed the statement and highlighted efforts by further education colleges in his constituency. Inquired about frequency of meetings between Department officials and businesses/colleges to encourage more apprenticeships across UK.

Acknowledged frequent meetings with business and colleges in England, committed to ensuring seamless apprenticeship standards recognition across the UK through collaboration with devolved Administrations.

Welcomed the Minister's passion for spreading opportunity via apprenticeships. Complimented ancient company of fellmongers for supporting local apprenticeships, encouraging Richmond to continue excelling in this area.

Acknowledged the curiosity and importance of diverse occupations like fellmongering and the creation of apprenticeship opportunities within these trades.

Highlighted a survey showing only 9% of young people doing level 2 qualifications were doing so for the first time, questioning compatibility with social mobility goals set by the Minister.

Acknowledged issues with course completion rates and inappropriate courses. Emphasised work through Lord Sainsbury's panel to establish clearer routes for technical education aimed at reducing dropout rates.

Acknowledges the creation of 370 new apprenticeships in her constituency and emphasises the importance of involving employers from various sectors to ensure that apprentices acquire the skills desired by businesses.

Agrees with Amanda Milling about the importance of employer involvement in setting apprentice standards, stressing the need for inclusion of small and medium-sized enterprises to cater to diverse industry needs. Confirms that £3 billion will be raised from the apprenticeship levy in 2019-20, with £2.5 billion allocated towards English apprenticeships.

Asks for an estimate of the funds likely to be allocated from the apprenticeship levy increase to the Northern Ireland Executive.

Supports the Government's promotion of apprenticeships and discusses her efforts in organising events to raise awareness about their benefits, inviting Minister Boles to participate.

Queries whether the imposition of large student loans is a valid justification for choosing apprenticeships over university studies. Suggests reconsidering replacing maintenance grants with loans as an alternative approach to alleviate loan burdens.

Responds that the Government's policy is designed to offer students a choice between full-time university studies or apprenticeships, highlighting that student loans are only repaid if earnings exceed £21,000. Proposes flexibility in seasonal industries by allowing for 15-month apprenticeship periods.

Inquires about progress made to encourage apprenticeships in highly seasonal sectors such as farming and tourism.

Raises concerns about the completion rate of apprenticeships in long-term projects, questioning how to ensure sustained commitment from employers.

Expresses support for apprenticeships as a key pathway for young people's aspirations. Questions the Minister about forthcoming details of the levy and delivery plans.

Announces an ambitious target of creating 50 new apprenticeships in her constituency within 50 days, seeking support from the Minister for this initiative.

Praises businesses in his constituency contributing to apprenticeship opportunities and congratulates those who create such roles.

Welcomes the Minister's statement on National Apprenticeship Week and highlights initiatives promoting female participation in traditionally male-focused apprenticeships.