Apprenticeship Achievements 2024-04-29
2024-04-29
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The number of apprenticeship achievements has seen a rise, but there are concerns about the overall trend in apprenticeships.
What assessment she has made of trends in the number of apprenticeship achievements. I am concerned that despite some improvements over last year, young people still face challenges in qualifying at previous rates and the number of offered and available apprenticeships has declined significantly over a decade.
We want all young people to have access to good, high-quality apprenticeships because they offer a valuable experience and an opportunity to upskill at the start of their career. We have seen a 4% increase in apprenticeship starts by young people under the age of 19 so far this year, and 57% of all starts have been by those aged under 25. Last year, we saw a 21% increase in apprenticeship achievements in St Helens South and Whiston. That is welcome news but there is always more to do.
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Assessment & feedback
The answerer provided some statistics on current trends but did not directly address the decline over the past decade or explain why achievement rates are lower than three years ago.
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Despite some improvements in apprenticeships, there are significant declines over a longer period.
Giving all young people a good education is key to levelling up our country. The number of apprenticeship starts has fallen by a third since the last decade and there are 3% fewer completions than three years ago. Why have the Government let the number of offered and available apprenticeships slide, and why do young people not qualify at the rate they did in the past?
We have seen a 4% increase in apprenticeship starts by young people under the age of 19 so far this year, and 57% of all starts have been by those aged under 25. Last year, we saw a 21% increase in apprenticeship achievements in St Helens South and Whiston.
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Assessment & feedback
The answerer provided some statistics on current trends but did not directly address the decline over the past decade or explain why achievement rates are lower than three years ago.
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner highlights positive trends in apprenticeships but questions the government's approach to maintaining quality.
Apprenticeship achievements have gone up by 22% over the past year, with over 90% of apprentices securing good jobs or gaining skills. Starts are also increasing and there are now more than 690 quality apprenticeship standards across various industries. Is it not the case that any attempt to dilute the apprenticeship levy would harm these achievements?
During his time as a Minister, my right hon. Friend helped to completely rebuild the apprenticeship system, introducing higher-quality standards. Apprenticeships are now longer, better, with more off-the-job training and proper independent assessment at the end. They are valued by employers.
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Assessment & feedback
The answerer did not directly address the question about diluting the apprenticeship levy or its potential impact on achievement rates.
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Apprenticeship starts have decreased since 2017, with achievement rates declining significantly. Nearly half of apprentices do not complete their courses.
Not only have apprenticeship starts plummeted since 2017 but new data shows the overall achievement rate has dropped since 2020, particularly for level 2 apprenticeships. Almost half of apprentices do not complete their courses, which is unacceptable. Employers call out for reform, yet this Government seems indifferent.
We have made apprenticeships more rigorous with proper robust assessments. The only plan Labour has, without more funding, is to cut the number of apprenticeship starts in our country by 60%. Last week's figures showed a 2.5% increase in level 2 attainment rates.
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Assessment & feedback
The answerer did not address why achievement rates have dropped or why there are issues with completion rates, instead focusing on Labour's perceived lack of funding.
Attack
Response accuracy