Apprenticeships and Teacher Training

My hon. Friend is making an excellent speech that I wholeheartedly agree with. It is deeply disappointing not to see a single Member of the Labour party, other than the shadow Minister, or of the Lib Dems in the Chamber. My hon. Friend is talking about the aspirational element of what apprenticeships can offer. Does he agree that it is essential that we ensure that local places of education are linked up with local businesses so that we can offer, present and platform those opportunities? I apologise for having two bites of the cherry, but just two weeks ago I held my own careers fair at a local further education college—South Devon College—in my constituency of Totnes and south Devon. It was a fantastic example of how to join up local apprenticeships and local businesses and explore the opportunities in the area. Will my hon. Friend come down and see what we are doing in the south-west—a sometimes overlooked area—so that, across the whole country, we might join up this idea of linking up apprenticeships, colleges and businesses?

Mr Bradley highlighted the importance of diversity in teaching and called for more flexible entry routes into education, such as through apprenticeships and on-the-job training. He pointed out that limiting qualifications to degrees reduces workforce diversity and can hinder career development for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, he stressed the need for male role models in primary education due to a significant gender imbalance in schools across the east Midlands. Discussed the challenges faced by teachers in disadvantaged communities, suggesting that teachers often act as social workers. He proposed that individuals from care and early years settings might be well-suited for primary teaching roles.

Concerned about the number of ways to qualify as a teacher and whether they guarantee preparedness. Raised issues with the proposed level 5 associate teacher apprenticeship, suggesting it could undermine the distinction between different pathways. Cited statistics showing high early career teacher attrition rates: 12.5% leave within one year, 17% within two years, and after five years, a third have left.

Jim Shannon highlighted the challenges of teaching in Northern Ireland, noting a significant increase in pupils with special needs and funding pressures. He cited statistics showing a rise in pupils accessing placements in special schools and those requiring educational support. Shannon emphasised the importance of classroom assistants and argued for increased funding to reduce class sizes and improve teacher conditions.

Acknowledged the lead MP's point about difficulties in accessing information on apprenticeship opportunities. Emphasised the importance of apprenticeships for long-term growth and improved productivity, particularly in the education sector.

I can provide an example from personal experience in respect of the solicitor apprenticeship route. In my previous business, I recruited a young lady at the age of 18 who did not want to go to university. I am delighted to report that she is about to qualify as a solicitor, having gone through all the necessary steps. Highlighted concerns about the reduction in teacher training places in the north east, noting that 92% of teachers come from within the region. Mentioned Carmel College's loss of accreditation and its impact on local schools. Supported apprenticeships for non-teaching employees but noted limitations in funding for teacher training costs.

The hon. Gentleman raises an innovative idea. Will he expand on it a little? Previously, when we were looking at maths teachers, people who had a maths degree would be seen as suitable to do the maths part but would have to go away to do a PGCE in order to learn the teaching part. How does he foresee that we would ensure that people who had not done a degree were capable of providing that technical knowledge? Emphasised the importance of apprenticeships for learners from deprived communities, expressed concern over the decrease in apprentice numbers and the expansion of higher-level apprenticeships by middle-class individuals. Highlighted issues with teacher retention and the workload pressures faced by teachers due to rising pupil numbers and social work demands. Asked the Minister whether there was insufficient demand from people wanting to study and pursue an apprenticeship route or from schools willing to take on apprentices.