Increasing Employment: Training

Opened the debate

Siobhan Baillie raised two main points: the importance of work experience for personal development and social mobility, and the need to reform existing training provision to benefit small and medium-sized enterprises. She shared her own story of climbing the career ladder through hard work and dedication despite a challenging background. Baillie criticised recent attacks on individuals without degrees and emphasised that meaningful employment is key to financial stability and improved well-being. She highlighted the government's achievements in reducing unemployment and improving job opportunities, but called for further reforms to the apprenticeship levy system. She proposed transforming it into a growth and skills levy allowing employers to spend up to 25% of funds on relevant training. Other recommendations included incentives for SMEs hiring young apprentices, course completion bonuses, establishing support hubs at colleges, abolishing the apprenticeship minimum wage, and linking immigration policies with skills training.

Government Response

The Minister acknowledged the importance of upskilling the workforce and improving social inclusion, productivity, and progression. He highlighted the government's commitment to reducing unemployment and enhancing employment opportunities across various sectors, especially in hospitality. The Minister agreed with the need for reforming the apprenticeship levy system but emphasised that changes should support the current institution rather than replacing it. He mentioned considering flexible transferability of the apprenticeship levy funds within large companies' franchises and suggested regional facilitators to assist SMEs in navigating the system. He promised detailed written responses from relevant departments on specific proposals such as the £3,000 incentive for young apprenticeships, abolishing the minimum wage for apprenticeships, and addressing gaps between levy collections and actual spending.