Written question asked by Andrew Love (Labour) on Tuesday, 26 June 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 28 June 2007. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Thursday, 5 July 2007 on behalf of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Apprentices: Females

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what plans the Government have to increase the number of disadvantaged young women entering apprenticeships.

Answer: We want to expand the apprenticeships programme so that in 2013 any suitably qualified young person will be entitled to an apprenticeship place. We are therefore working with partners including the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), sector bodies and employers to address the needs of learners who are typically under-represented in apprenticeships, either generally or in particular occupational sectors and whether by gender, ethnicity or disability. We aim to attract apprentices from a wide range of backgrounds through targeted marketing activity, by creating more flexible apprenticeship opportunities and by improving careers advice and guidance, including by offering opportunities for non-stereotypical ““tasters”” from the age of 14.

Secondary information