Written question asked by John Austin (Labour) on Thursday, 19 July 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 July 2007. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Thursday, 26 July 2007 on behalf of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Apprenticeships

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what steps he is taking to increase the number of people applying for adult apprenticeships.

Answer: The continuing expansion of Apprenticeships provision, for both young people and adults, is a priority for the Government. Currently around one third of apprentices are aged 19-24, and evidence from recent trials of 25+ apprenticeships suggests that they can be a useful method of learning for some people. Therefore the Leaning and Skills Council (LSC) is making available £16.7 million in 2007-08 to fund 8,000 additional places for this age group.The Government will naturally encourage and support employers, LSC and Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) in their normal promotion practices to recruit adult apprentices to fill the 8,000 places.The Government are also supporting the LSC in its new skills campaign ‘Our future. It’s in our hands’ launched on 9 July. This campaign is aimed at improving the skills of the nation and will include the promotion of adult apprenticeships.

Secondary information