Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Brian H Donohoe (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 22 June 2005 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: The modern apprenticeship scheme is to be welcomed, even though it happened to be opposed by the Opposition. Traditionally, youngsters leaving school have taken on apprenticeships. Many years ago, I was an apprentice and I remember the time when 100 apprentices were taken on every year at the shipyard. What is my right hon. Friend going to do about bringing back apprenticeships for plumbers, joiners, fitters and all the traditional trades? That would make the current crisis in those areas much more manageable.

Answer: My hon. Friend raises a point that is important for the economy, and that is why the Learning and Skills Council has almost doubled spending on apprenticeships. By the end of this year we will have almost 300,000 apprenticeships, which is fantastic for our young people. The other thing that we have to do in our school reforms is to start making sure that a proper vocational route is available for young people at the age of 14. That will allow them to gain work experience with employers at an early age. We have concentrated on bringing back apprenticeships in the past few years. There is more to do, but the numbers coming through show that the system is working.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 435 c799-800
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Apprentices Training Young people Skilled workers Modern apprenticeships
Link: View this Prime Minister's question on www.publications.parliament.uk