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Written question asked by Rebecca Smith (Conservative) on Thursday, 2 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 (named day). It was answered by Andrew Western (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Aerospace Industry: BTEC Qualifications

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that students who have studied BTEC Level 3 in Aerospace Engineering and similar qualifications are not prevented from accessing employer-led levy funded engineering apprenticeships.

Answer

A learner is able to undertake an apprenticeship at a lower level and in the same sector as training they have previously received, providing the apprenticeship offers sufficient new learning to meet our minimum duration requirements. The government will not fund training that duplicates provision a learner has already received.

In August 2025, we reduced the minimum duration of an apprenticeship from 12 months to 8 months, this change means that more people with relevant prior learning will be able to upskill through an apprenticeship.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
15611
Session
2026-27
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Aerospace industry BTEC qualifications
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk