Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Construction Apprenticeships

Monday 10 March 2025 · 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government acknowledges the importance of construction industry and is committed to social and affordable housing
  • Minister states that Homebuilding skills hubs will create more apprenticeships in areas with shortages
  • Concerns raised about level 7 apprenticeships and funding prioritization for young people's career opportunities

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi Lab Slough
Housing
Context

The MP highlights his background in the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for young people to enter home building careers.

Question

I am glad the Government recognise the importance of the industry and are firmly committed to house building, especially social and affordable housing, to make the dream of home ownership a reality once again for our young people. The Conservative Government ducked the difficult decisions for too long, so will the Minister outline exactly how the Government plan to create the skills and apprenticeships that we need so that the homes that Slough families deserve can finally be built?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Janet Daby)

I assure my hon. Friend that this Government are not ducking or diving the tough decisions that need to be made. Homebuilding skills hubs will create more apprenticeships in occupations where there are shortages, such as bricklaying and groundwork. The changes that we have introduced to English and maths will support thousands more apprentices to achieve each year, including in construction. This Government of action are building the skilled workforce this country needs, including in Slough.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not outline specific plans or commitments for creating apprenticeships in Slough or detailed steps to address shortages.

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Q2 Blake Stephenson Con Mid Bedfordshire
Education Economy Employment
Context

The MP raises concerns about the future of level 7 apprenticeships, which play a vital role in supporting social mobility and the construction industry.

Question

Level 7 apprenticeships play a vital role throughout our economy, including in the construction industry, and support social mobility. I recently met young, hard-working apprentices in Mid Bedfordshire who would not be able to achieve their ambitions without level 7, but there are concerns about the future of those apprenticeships. Will the Minister take this opportunity to reassure employers and apprentices that she understands the value of level 7 apprenticeships?

Answer from Janet Daby

This Government have an extremely challenging fiscal inheritance. There are tough choices to take on how funding should be prioritised to generate opportunities for young people to start fulfilling careers. Learners who have started will be funded to completion and we expect to make a final decision on effective apprenticeships shortly. We are committed to level 7 apprenticeships and to people continuing their education to a good standard.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific reassurance about the future of Level 7 apprenticeships or address current concerns raised by employers and apprentices.

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