Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Andrew Snowden (Conservative) on Friday, 29 August 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 September 2025. It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Friday, 12 September 2025 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Apprentices: Woodworking

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to increase the number of young people taking up carpentry and joinery apprenticeships.

Answer

This government has a driving mission to break down barriers to opportunity.

The rate of young people’s apprenticeship starts has fallen over the last decade and we want to re-balance the programme towards young people beginning their careers.

As a first step, the department has introduced new foundation apprenticeships, an employment-based training offer that gives young people a route into careers in critical sectors, enabling them to earn a wage while developing vital skills.

The first seven foundation apprenticeships became available in August 2025, including a foundation apprenticeship in onsite trades which supports the development of onsite construction skills, including carpentry and joinery.

These foundation apprenticeships will be underpinned by an employer incentive payment of up to £2,000 to contribute to the extra costs of supporting someone at the beginning of their career. This is in addition to the existing employer and provider payments for taking on younger apprentices.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
73494
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Apprentices Woodworking
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk