Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Anne Snelgrove (Labour). It was answered on Thursday, 16 June 2005 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Adult Education

Question: Does my hon. Friend agree that the people of this country have welcomed the reintroduction of apprenticeships—they have certainly done so in Swindon—and can he tell me what FE colleges are doing to promote modern apprenticeships?

Answer: My hon. Friend is right to emphasise the value and importance of apprenticeships. During the general election campaign, I knocked on doors and heard people say, ““I'll tell you what you should do for young people: bring back apprenticeships.”” We have already done so, but this is one of those issues that do not get much popular recognition. We are already talking about moving from having some 50,000 apprenticeships in 1997 to having 250,000 or 300,000 a year. I am delighted to tell my hon. Friend that I will attend the annual apprenticeships awards ceremony this evening. I am looking forward to taking a very good opportunity publicly to thank and recognise the successful and excellent apprentices that we shall see tonight, as well as those in our colleges who are transferring their skills so that the talented craftspeople in our FE sector can be valued as well.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 435 c386-7
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Further education Modern apprenticeships Adult education Finance Fees and charges
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk