Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Armed Forces Apprenticeships

Monday 21 February 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Robert Halfon thanked the Secretary of State for the work on armed forces apprenticeships.
  • The Minister offered to visit Halfon's constituency to see the cadet programme in person.
  • Jamie Stone inquired about the possibility of recruiting individuals on the autism spectrum into the armed forces.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Robert Halfon Con
Education Defence Employment
Context

The questioner acknowledges the Ministry of Defence's work on apprenticeships and highlights a successful cadet program in Harlow.

Question

I want to thank the Secretary of State and his team for their work. The Ministry is doing significant work with apprenticeships, which other Departments should follow. There is a remarkable cadet programme in my constituency across Navy, RAF, and Army. Will the Minister look at whether cadets who wish to stay on can progress into military apprenticeships?

Answer from Leo Docherty

Of course all young people should be aware of the amazing opportunities for apprenticeships and careers in the armed forces. I would be honoured to visit my right hon. Friend's constituency to see that scheme at first hand.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address whether cadets can progress into military apprenticeships directly as requested.

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Q2 Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Defence Employment
Context

The questioner recounts a constituent who was diagnosed with being on the spectrum and could not join the armed forces due to this diagnosis. The issue of recruiting people with neurodiversity is raised, particularly in relation to cyber security.

Question

Several years ago, a young man came to see me, eager to join the armed forces but diagnosed as being on the spectrum. Despite my intervention, he could not proceed and missed out on his desired career. Is the possibility of recruiting people who are on the spectrum being considered? It could be useful for the cyber threat we face.

Answer from Leo Docherty

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. We are actively considering recruiting people with neurodiversity because of their capacity to work in the cyber sphere.

Answered
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