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Written question asked by Lord Watson of Invergowrie (Labour) on Thursday, 23 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 August 2026. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 August 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.


Apprentices: Counselling

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Skills England on the potential creation of an apprenticeship standard in counselling.

Answer

Skills England is focused on developing new, and reviewing existing, apprenticeships which will have the greatest impact on government priorities, including supporting young people into employment and supporting industrial strategy and other priority sectors.

Skills England has engaged with stakeholders on the development of a counselling apprenticeship. This included exploring whether the existing Level 4 Counsellor occupational standard, which was developed for Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) provision, could be used as the basis for an apprenticeship. However, to date, no decision has been made on the development of such an apprenticeship.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2783
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Apprentices Counselling Skills England
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk