Apprenticeships: Government Support

The hon. Member suggested that promoting level 3 advanced apprenticeships could be a compromise for young people who are unsure between an apprenticeship and a university degree.

Chris Loder argued that land-based colleges and apprenticeships are not being prioritised enough by the Government, despite their importance for food production and sustainability. He cited an example where a stockperson apprenticeship at Kingston Maurward College was terminated due to insufficient funding. I did not claim that there was a decrease in the demand for apprenticeships or in actual apprenticeship placements. I merely pointed out that funding reductions made land-based apprenticeship schemes non-viable. Talked about land-based colleges, advocating for more support and recognition of their role in net zero initiatives. Requested further engagement from the Minister to address funding issues.

In constituencies such as mine in Suffolk, one in seven jobs are linked to the land economy. Apprenticeships for this sector have not seen an increase despite a general uplift in apprenticeships. The speaker has previously raised this issue with predecessors but received no concrete action.

The speaker welcomed apprenticeships as a success but noted concerns about ensuring the levy is spent correctly and that smaller companies can benefit. She mentioned an underspend of £11 million from last year in her constituency, calling for more support for STEM careers through initiatives such as the DFE's unit for future skills.

Agreed with Jonathan Gullis that the unit being built in Coleraine, the £40 million Northern Regional College, will offer facilities needed, particularly in areas of high deprivation.

Jim Shannon supported the call for more Government funding for apprenticeships and highlighted a constituent's experience of not receiving fair payment during his apprenticeship. He also praised UKHospitality's recommendation to reconsider the working of the apprenticeship levy to ease staffing crises. Spoke passionately about career guidance and highlighted the importance of strengthening the Baker clause for student engagement with apprenticeship opportunities.

I am proud to stand as the co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on apprenticeships and an employer of two apprentices in Stoke-on-Trent. I emphasised the importance of level 2 and 3 opportunities for young people, especially those from areas of deprivation. Since May 2020, 13,240 apprenticeships have started in my constituency. However, there is a need to address the drop in level 2 take-up, which some reports suggest is at 60%. The quality of training and employer accountability are critical issues. Discussed the levy funding underspends and raised concerns about students' encounters with key apprentice organisations, advocating for strengthened Baker clause provisions.

Ms Fletcher discussed EnergyAce, a business in her constituency that offers degree apprenticeships, emphasizing the importance of such opportunities for upskilling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Praised the efforts of local organisations such as UTCs, South Cheshire College, Bentley, Alstom, and employers in delivering apprenticeships. Mentions more than 12,000 people have started an apprenticeship since 2010.

The speaker expressed concern about the stigma surrounding apprenticeships and the overemphasis on university education. He highlighted a £2 billion underspend from the levy meant for level 2 provision and called for increased flexibility in the levy to better serve young people, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Addressed the issue of land-based colleges, discussing funding challenges and the role of these institutions in green skills development.

Highlighted the success of apprenticeships in Gloucester with over 14,000 starts or completions since 2010. Emphasised personal experience as an employer of apprentices and suggested inviting alumni to schools to discuss their experiences. The hon. Gentleman mentioned several organisations, but those specific types of apprenticeships—such as in accountancy and stonemasonry—did not exist until we introduced them after 2010. Discussed digital skills and cyber-warfare, mentioning new institutes of technology being rolled out with £290 million investment.

Mr Perkins highlighted the issue of unspent funds from the NHS apprenticeship levy, arguing that millions of pounds might be sent back to the Treasury due to inefficiencies in the programme. Congratulated the Member for Bristol South on securing the debate, highlighted the importance of apprenticeships in social mobility and quality development. Noted that fewer apprenticeships are provided across the board than before the introduction of the levy, criticised the bureaucracy surrounding apprenticeship opportunities, and advocated for more strategic use of the levy to support small businesses.

Ms Crosbie thanked the hon. Member for securing the debate and mentioned her skills fair event in Westminster where local businesses supported apprenticeships as a key way to equip young people with life skills.