Apprenticeships 2020-10-12
2020-10-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP asks about the steps being taken to increase apprenticeship numbers, recognizing their importance for economic recovery and business growth.
What steps his Department is taking to increase the number of apprenticeships. Apprenticeships will be more important than ever to support our economic recovery and help businesses to recruit the right people and develop the skills they need to recover and grow.
To support employers to offer new apprenticeships, they can now claim £2,000 for every new apprentice under 25 and £1,500 for those over 25. This is part of the effort to promote further education as a valid pathway.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP asks about the government's efforts to ensure apprenticeships are seen as a valid part of the UK's educational system, highlighting the importance of further education.
Will my hon. Friend assure me that she is doing everything in her power to ensure that apprenticeships are seen as a valid part of our education system? The Prime Minister and Chancellor have made it clear that further education is now more important than ever. This includes reforms of the FE system through the skills White Paper, backed by £500 million funding per year for T-levels, investing £1.5 billion in FE college estate transformation, £2.5 billion through the national skills fund and introducing a new adult entitlement.
I can assure my hon. Friend that further education is important, with once-in-a-generation reforms through the skills White Paper and funding for T-levels, FE college estate transformation, national skills fund, and adult entitlement programmes.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questions the impact of Government policies, noting a decline in level 2 and 3 apprenticeships prior to coronavirus due to the introduction of the apprenticeship levy.
Why do this Government consistently introduce policies that have the effect of reducing the numbers doing level 2 and 3 apprenticeships? The Minister acknowledges the importance of apprenticeships but questions why such policies are introduced despite rhetoric supporting them.
Referencing the switch from frameworks to standards, which had an impact on some numbers early on. The focus was on quality of apprenticeships rather than quantity; ensuring high-quality apprenticeships for young people's trust is key.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask regarding policy effects and reductions in apprentice numbers at levels 2 and 3 is not directly addressed.
Referencing Quality Focus Instead Of Quantity Issues
Response accuracy