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Written question asked by Sureena Brackenridge (Labour) on Monday, 19 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 January 2026 (named day). It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Monday, 2 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Employment: Apprentices and Further Education

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what incentives are available to employers to support day-release arrangements for young people in further education and apprenticeships; and whether she plans to introduce additional measures to encourage employer participation in such schemes.

Answer

T Levels include a substantive industry placement, with 96% of students completing their placement last year.

The Skills for Life campaign raises awareness of T Levels and other training, ensuring businesses understand their value. The department is increasing awareness of T Level industry placements and encouraging employers to take part through a network of T Level ambassadors, a targeted small and medium businesses (SME) campaign, and investing £6.3 million in the employer support fund. As part of the construction skills package, £100 million is committed to support 40,000 industry placements each year for construction learners.

An apprenticeship is a job with a formal programme of off-the-job training. The government is transforming the apprenticeships offer into a new growth and skills offer, giving greater flexibility to employers and learners. To support our ambition of 50,000 more young people into apprenticeships, we will expand foundation apprenticeships, launch a £140 million pilot with mayors to better connect young people to local apprenticeships, and fully fund SME apprenticeships for eligible 16 to 24-year-olds.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
106707
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Apprentices Employment Further education Young people
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk