Topical question asked in the House of Commons, by Simon Hughes (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Thursday, 29 January 2009 on behalf of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Topical Questions

Question: On apprenticeships, and given that nearly 50 per cent. of those being laid off are under 25, will the Government consider giving each area's local authority, local college and local chamber of commerce regular information about what opportunities there are, so that it is available for everybody in an agreed place? Will they consider having in each local council area one private sector and one public sector champion of apprenticeships who, by their records, are well placed to take on that role?

Answer: The hon. Gentleman makes a good point. The London apprenticeship taskforce, which met again this week, is discussing that very issue. Rob Whiteman, the chief executive of the London borough of Barking and Dagenham, is co-ordinating that activity across London councils with the LSC, to ensure that we can increase the number of apprenticeships in constituencies such as the hon. Gentleman's. They will ensure that local authorities and the NHS can do more, along with the many companies in London that, notwithstanding the economic downturn, want to recruit young Londoners to ensure that they benefit from the apprenticeship scheme.

Secondary information