Vocational Training 2024-11-04
2024-11-04
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about increasing the number of students undertaking vocational training to address skills gaps and support local industries.
What steps she is taking to help increase the number of students undertaking vocational training courses?
Further education is vital in breaking down barriers to opportunity, driving growth and generating clean energy. The Budget allocated £300 million to support young people and improve skills development. In September, the Department launched a new phase of the “It all starts with skills” campaign to promote programmes such as apprenticeships and T-levels.
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Assessment & feedback
The funding allocation details were mentioned but no specific steps or commitments for increasing vocational training enrolment were provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of local job opportunities for young people and wants to ensure that more young people can find training opportunities within their communities.
After 14 years of Tory decline, there is much to do in this country to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure. A lot of people need jobs to help us achieve that. I am glad that the new Government are working to increase the number of students being trained in the industries of the future, but will the Minister tell us how she is working across Government to make sure that more young people can find those opportunities locally, rather than having to move away from their local communities?
Central to our opportunity mission is that where someone is from should not determine where they end up in life. This Government are serious about supporting young people. We are working across Government to ensure that young people are supported in their communities through devolution, local growth plans, local skills improvement plans and the youth guarantee.
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Assessment & feedback
While principles were stated, no specific mechanisms or timelines for ensuring local opportunities were provided.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the delay in securing funding for Harrogate College's rebuild under the FE Capital Transformation Fund, which was promised over £20 million.
The largest provider of vocational education and training opportunities in my constituency is Harrogate college, which was previously promised more than £20 million in a combination of loans and grants under the FE capital transformation fund. I have written repeatedly to the Government to ask if they can secure an extension to that funding period because, due to a hold-up in the planning process, it will not be able to meet the deadlines. Will the Minister commit to guaranteeing the funding for Harrogate college for that rebuild?
The hon. Member outlined many failings by the previous Government. I will ask my noble Friend the Minister for Skills to meet him.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific funding extension request was not addressed, instead shifting focus to past government failures.
Changing Subject
Criticising Previous Government
Response accuracy