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Answering member
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Sarah McCarthy-Fry
Type
House
Session
Year
Department
Member
Primary member
Answering member
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McCarthy-Fry, Sarah (26)
Legislative stage
Legislation
Subject
Publisher
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many hours a week on average 16 to 18 year-olds spent on apprenticeships in each industrial sector in (a) England, (b) the North East, (c) Teesside and (d) Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency in the latest period...
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many hours a week on average 16 to 18 year-olds spent on apprenticeships in each industrial sector in (a) England, (b) the North East, (c) Teesside and (d) Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency in the latest period...
Asked by
Ashok Kumar
(Labour)
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 May 2009
For answer on
20 May 2009
Answered on
1 June 2009
Apprenticeships for young people are normally full-time and the hours that each individual spends on their framework each week are a matter for the apprentice and their employer. Some apprentices work part-time. Information about the number of hours that apprentices work and train each week is not collected centrally. We are currently consulting on a specification for apprenticeship standards in England which proposes a minimum number of guided learning hours per year for all apprentices.The Government are committed to rebuilding apprenticeships. Since 1997 we have witnessed a renaissance in apprenticeships from a low point of 65,000 to a record 225,000 apprenticeship starts in 2007/08.
Subjects
Apprentices
Date
1 June 2009
Reference
493 c233W; 276624
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills which Government bodies are involved in the implementation of the apprenticeship programme for 16 to 18 year-olds; and what role each such body has in respect of that programme.
To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills which Government bodies are involved in the implementation of the apprenticeship programme for 16 to 18 year-olds; and what role each such body has in respect of that programme.
Asked by
Stephen O'Brien
(Conservative)
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
28 April 2009
For answer on
30 April 2009
Answered on
1 June 2009
I have been asked to reply.The Department for Children, Schools and Families has lead policy responsibility for apprenticeships for 16 to 18-year-olds in England, and works closely with the Department for Innovation, University and Skills to ensure a coherent programme for young people and adults. A joint policy unit serves the needs of both Departments.The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has end to end responsibility for the delivery of the Apprenticeship programme, a role that will be confirmed in the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill currently before Parliament. NAS is currently housed within the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), which is responsible for funding and contracting of post-16 provision. NAS works closely with the National Employer Service within the LSC to provide an integrated service to large employers delivering Train to Gain and Apprenticeships.The Prime Minister and both the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Innovation, University and Skills are determined to see a continuing renaissance in the number and quality of apprenticeships, and we work closely with the National Apprenticeship Service to ensure a coherent programme for 16 to 18-year-olds in England.
Subjects
Apprentices
Date
1 June 2009
Reference
493 c205-6W; 272682
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what estimate he has made of the average duration of an apprenticeship under the apprenticeship programme for 16 to 18-year-olds.
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what estimate he has made of the average duration of an apprenticeship under the apprenticeship programme for 16 to 18-year-olds.
Asked by
Stephen O'Brien
(Conservative)
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
28 April 2009
For answer on
30 April 2009
Answered on
18 May 2009
Apprenticeship frameworks typically take between one to three years to complete depending on the level and type of framework, the prior attainment and needs of the apprentice. These factors and an individual's speed of learning mean that length of time as an apprentice can vary enormously. Our primary measure of quality is the completion rate which last year was 64 per cent.; up from 37 per cent. in 2004/05.The Government are committed to rebuilding apprenticeships. Since 1997, we have witnessed a renaissance in apprenticeships from a low point of 65,000 to a record 225,000 apprenticeship starts in 2007/08.
Subjects
Apprentices
Date
18 May 2009
Reference
492 c1236W; 272679
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what steps his Department has taken to publicise the apprenticeship programme for 16 to 18 year-olds in (a) rural areas and (b) Cheshire; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what steps his Department has taken to publicise the apprenticeship programme for 16 to 18 year-olds in (a) rural areas and (b) Cheshire; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Stephen O'Brien
(Conservative)
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
28 April 2009
For answer on
30 April 2009
Answered on
5 May 2009
Local Connexions services and other information, advice and guidance agencies publicise the Apprenticeships programme across the whole country, covering both urban and rural areas, including Cheshire. Our new national Apprenticeship on-line system for vacancy matching provides access to Apprenticeship vacancies for all potential apprentices. The national advertising campaign, fronted by Sir Alan Sugar, ran successfully in February and March, generating over 4,000 employer leads and increasing visitors to the Apprenticeships website to 100,000 a week.The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill currently before Parliament will place a duty on the Chief Executive of the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) to promote Apprenticeships to employers and apprentices, and we would expect rural areas to be covered by this commitment. We are also working with the Commission for Rural Communities to research particular issues around increasing the number of Apprenticeship places in rural areas.The NAS team for Cheshire are working with employers across the county to develop Apprenticeship opportunities, and work with Connexions and other agencies to ensure that young people have the information and support they need to access them.
Subjects
Apprentices
Date
5 May 2009
Reference
492 c146-7W; 272678
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the role and responsibilities are of local colleges in delivery of the apprenticeship programme for 16 to 18 year-olds.
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the role and responsibilities are of local colleges in delivery of the apprenticeship programme for 16 to 18 year-olds.
Asked by
Stephen O'Brien
(Conservative)
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
28 April 2009
For answer on
30 April 2009
Answered on
5 May 2009
Further education colleges are important delivery partners in achieving our ambitions for 16 to 18-year-old Apprentices. Where a local college is contracted by the Learning and Skills Council to deliver the Apprenticeship programme they, along with other training providers, work with employers and their Apprentices to deliver the training both on the job and at the college. The college will ensure the young person receives the training, work experience and personal support required to achieve the Apprenticeship framework—the detail of which is determined by Sector Skills Councils or Standard Setting Bodies in conjunction with employers in their sector. Colleges may also be involved in delivering components of Apprenticeship frameworks on behalf of other training providers and employers.
Subjects
Apprentices
Date
5 May 2009
Reference
492 c146W; 272677
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how much has been spent on apprenticeships for 16 to 18 year olds in (a) Cheshire and (b) England in the last 12 months.
To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how much has been spent on apprenticeships for 16 to 18 year olds in (a) Cheshire and (b) England in the last 12 months.
Asked by
Stephen O'Brien
(Conservative)
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
28 April 2009
For answer on
30 April 2009
Answered on
5 May 2009
I have been asked to reply.For apprenticeships for 16 to 18-year-olds in 2008-09, £12.4 million has been allocated to training providers contracted to the LSC in the Cheshire and Warrington area. In 2007-08, the latest financial year for which spend information is available, £637 million was spent on apprenticeships for young people in England. Total funding for apprenticeships in England is planned to increase to over £1 billion in 2009-10. Earlier in the year my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced a £140 million package to provide 35,000 extra apprenticeship places in the coming year.
Subjects
Apprentices; Expenditure
Date
5 May 2009
Reference
492 c159W; 272617
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the application process is for an apprenticeship under the Government apprenticeship scheme for 16 to 18 year-olds.
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the application process is for an apprenticeship under the Government apprenticeship scheme for 16 to 18 year-olds.
Asked by
Stephen O'Brien
(Conservative)
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
28 April 2009
For answer on
30 April 2009
Answered on
5 May 2009
There are various routes by which young people may enter an Apprenticeship. Connexions services, and other agencies providing information, advice and guidance, refer young people to training providers and employers offering suitable Apprenticeship opportunities. Young people may also apply directly to training providers and employers. From the beginning of this year the national Apprenticeship on-line system for vacancy matching has been operating, providing a free service for employers and providers to advertise Apprenticeship vacancies, and allowing potential Apprentices to register and apply for vacancies. The National Apprenticeship Service, launched on 1 April 2009, will provide an end-to-end service to promote and deliver Apprenticeships for employers and individuals, including young people.
Subjects
Apprentices
Date
5 May 2009
Reference
492 c145-6W; 272502
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many 16 and 17-year-olds in Keighley constituency were undertaking an apprenticeship in 2008.
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many 16 and 17-year-olds in Keighley constituency were undertaking an apprenticeship in 2008.
Asked by
Ann Cryer
(Labour)
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 April 2009
For answer on
27 April 2009
Answered on
27 April 2009
80 people aged 16 to 17 completed an Apprenticeship, in Keighley in 2007-08. The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill aims to ensure an apprenticeship place is available for all suitably qualified young people by 2013 and is key to delivering our ambition for one in five young people to be in an apprenticeship in the next decade. We have announced an additional £140 million to provide 35,000 additional places this year, 21,000 of these in the public sector.
Subjects
Apprentices; Keighley
Date
27 April 2009
Reference
491 c1135W; 270743
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many hours a week on average pupils on young apprenticeships in each industrial sector spent in a work setting in the latest period for which figures are available.
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many hours a week on average pupils on young apprenticeships in each industrial sector spent in a work setting in the latest period for which figures are available.
Asked by
Lord Gove
(Conservative)
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 March 2009
For answer on
1 April 2009
Answered on
20 April 2009
The Young Apprenticeship programme (YA) for 14 to 16-year-olds is a successful pilot available in selected areas since 2004. From September 2006 all YAs have undertaken a minimum of 50 days work experience, regardless of sector. The Sector Skills Council (SSCs) oversees the quality and certification of this process.There are a number of approved delivery models with many young people undertaking placements on a one day per week basis. However, on average 44 per cent. of YAs also use periods of block placement to gain work experience with employers or a mixture of both.An evaluation of the programme carried out by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) which covers the period September 2004 to July 2006 indicated that on average YA learners undertook between 10 and 53 days of work experience. This data covers a period before a 50 day minimum requirement was introduced.Monitoring of the fulfilment of placements is the responsibility of the lead partner within the YA partnerships which may be a school, work base learning provider or the delivery partner.
Subjects
Apprentices; Young people
Date
20 April 2009
Reference
491 c294W; 268364
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families with reference to the answer of 4 June 2008, Official Report, column 947W, on apprentices, how many apprentices his Department currently employs.
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families with reference to the answer of 4 June 2008, Official Report, column 947W, on apprentices, how many apprentices his Department currently employs.
Asked by
Lord Willetts
(Conservative)
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 January 2009
For answer on
26 January 2009
Answered on
9 March 2009
The number of apprentices the Department currently employs is 20.
Subjects
Apprentices; Department for Children, Schools and Families
Date
9 March 2009
Reference
489 c183W;489 c184W; 252083
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many people under 18 years of age resident in Preston completed an apprenticeship in 2008.
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many people under 18 years of age resident in Preston completed an apprenticeship in 2008.
Asked by
Mark Hendrick
(Labour; Co-operative Party)
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
3 March 2009
For answer on
9 March 2009
Answered on
9 March 2009
In Preston in 2007/08 160 people aged 16 to 18 completed an apprenticeship, up from only 70 in 2003/04. Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill provisions aim to ensure an apprenticeship place is available for all suitably qualified young people by 2013 and are key to delivering our ambition for one in five young people to be in an apprenticeship in the next decade. We have announced an additional £140 million to provide 35,000 additional places this year, 21,000 of these in the public sector.
Subjects
Apprentices; Preston
Date
9 March 2009
Reference
489 c182W;489 c183W; 261313
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families with reference to the answer of 4 June 2008, Official Report, column 947W, on apprentices, what progress his Department has made towards meeting its share of the Government's commitment to employ over 1,000 apprentices in central Government departments and...
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families with reference to the answer of 4 June 2008, Official Report, column 947W, on apprentices, what progress his Department has made towards meeting its share of the Government's commitment to employ over 1,000 apprentices in central Government departments and...
Asked by
Lord Willetts
(Conservative)
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
6 February 2009
For answer on
10 February 2009
Answered on
24 February 2009
My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Children Schools and Families, and for Innovation Universities and Skills together with other members of the Cabinet this week announced 21,000 new apprenticeships in the public sector to deliver on the Government's pledge earlier this year to create 35,000 additional apprenticeship places. This will considerably expand the number of apprenticeship places in frontline public services including hospitals, schools, colleges and town halls across the country in 2009-10. The following table sets out the number of people undertaking apprenticeship training as part of the Government Skills National Apprenticeship Pathfinder scheme in 2008-09:
| Department | Numbers currently on apprenticeship programmes | Total numbers expected to start apprenticeship programmes in 2008-09 |
| BERR | 1 | 1 |
| Cabinet Office | 4 | 4 |
| DCLG | 8 | 8 |
| DCSF | 20 | 27 |
| DIUS | 19 | 22 |
| DoH | 1 | 3 |
| Driving Standards Agency | 84 | 84 |
| DWP | 195 | 195 |
| FCO | 0 | 64 |
| GCHQ | 10 | 10 |
| HMRC | 16 | 155 |
| HM Treasury¹ | 0 | 0 |
| MoJ | 353 | 353 |
| HO/UKBA | 260 | 336 |
| MoD | 62 | 62 |
| ONS | 68 | 68 |
| Total | 1,106 | 1,395 |
| ¹ I refer the right hon. Member to the reply to his question of 9 February 2009, Official Report, column 1618W. |
Subjects
Apprentices; Department for Children, Schools and Families
Date
24 February 2009
Reference
488 c740-1W; 256253
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many 16 to 19 year-olds have been recruited into apprenticeships in each of the last three years.
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many 16 to 19 year-olds have been recruited into apprenticeships in each of the last three years.
Asked by
Lord Willis of Knaresborough
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 January 2009
For answer on
2 February 2009
Answered on
23 February 2009
[holding answer 2 February 2009]: Table 1 shows the number of apprenticeship starts for 16 to 19-year-olds (based on age at start of course), in each of the last three academic years. This information was published in a statistical first release on 18 December 2008.
| Table 1: Number of apprenticeship starts for 16 to 19-year-olds | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005/06 | 2006/07 | 2007/08 | |
| Age at start | |||
| 16 | 33,200 | 33,200 | 33,300 |
| 17 | 33,300 | 35,800 | 36,400 |
| 18 | 32,500 | 36,200 | 37,300 |
| 19 | 22,100 | 23,400 | 26,100 |
| Total 16 to 19-year-old apprenticeship starts | 121,000 | 128,500 | 133,100 |
| All apprenticeship starts | 175,000 | 184,400 | 224,800 |
| Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 100. 2. Age is based on age at the start of the course. |
Subjects
Apprentices
Date
23 February 2009
Reference
488 c439W; 252902
House
House of Commons
My hon. Friend is a good advocate for her local authority and for young people in her local school.
Partnership working is key to all parts of our education system, but is particularly relevant to the 14-to-19 and 14-to-16 age groups. The young apprenticeship programme brings together employers and young people while they are learning at school. We are also piloting young apprenticeship schemes alongside diplomas, which, as we roll out new lines, will offer even more mechanisms for partnership working.
My hon. Friend is a good advocate for her local authority and for young people in her local school.
Partnership working is key to all parts of our education system, but is particularly relevant to the 14-to-19 and 14-to-16 age groups. The young apprenticeship programme brings together employers and young people while they are learning at school. We are also piloting young apprenticeship schemes alongside diplomas, which, as we roll out new lines, will offer even more mechanisms for partnership working.
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Asked by
Roberta Blackman-Woods
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Oral answers to questions
Is the Minister aware that secondary schools in my constituency are aligning their timetables to provide a wider range of vocational opportunities for young people, partly by playing to the strengths of each school? Can she confirm that funding will continue for initiatives of that kind as well as for young apprenticeships, at least under the present Government?
Subjects
Apprentices
Date
26 January 2009
Reference
487 c8
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Unlike other parties, we are certainly not proposing to restrict growth to just 1 per cent. this year and it would be a real shame if we were cutting 100,000 places for 16 to 18-year-olds, which we do not intend to do. We will increase the number of apprenticeships available. I have a number of visits going forward this year, and I always like to visit places where I can see quality apprenticeships for young people.
Unlike other parties, we are certainly not proposing to restrict growth to just 1 per cent. this year and it would be a real shame if we were cutting 100,000 places for 16 to 18-year-olds, which we do not intend to do. We will increase the number of apprenticeships available. I have a number of visits going forward this year, and I always like to visit places where I can see quality apprenticeships for young people.
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Asked by
Mary Creagh
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Oral answers to questions
I visited TEi engineering in Wakefield this summer. The company, through apprenticeship schemes, is training the next generation of welders to build the next generation of eco-power stations. May I invite my hon. Friend to visit TEi, where apprenticeships have trebled? What assessment has she made of proposals to increase the Department's budget by just 1 per cent. this year, which would cut 100,000 apprenticeship places nationally?
Subjects
Apprentices
Date
26 January 2009
Reference
487 c5
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
It is certainly a disappointment that the Scottish Executive are not taking the situation of young apprentices seriously. We have recently announced an additional £140 million, which will provide an additional 35,000 apprentice places this year, many of which we hope will be for 16 to 18-year-old apprenticeships. It is a pity about the proposed cuts by the Opposition parties, as if they were to be felt in the apprenticeships—
It is certainly a disappointment that the Scottish Executive are not taking the situation of young apprentices seriously. We have recently announced an additional £140 million, which will provide an additional 35,000 apprentice places this year, many of which we hope will be for 16 to 18-year-old apprenticeships. It is a pity about the proposed cuts by the Opposition parties, as if they were to be felt in the apprenticeships—
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Asked by
Anne Moffat
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Oral answers to questions
I thank my hon. Friend for that answer, which is in sharp contrast to what is happening in Scotland. Is she aware that third and fourth year time-served apprentices are being laid off in my East Lothian constituency and throughout Scotland, and are unable to complete their training. Does she agree that the Scottish Executive and the First Minister need to prioritise jobs, training and skills and follow the example of Northern Ireland, where apprentices are guaranteed to finish their training no matter what?
Subjects
Apprentices
Date
26 January 2009
Reference
487 c4-5
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I assure the hon. Lady that we intend to increase the number of apprenticeship places. I remind her that we recently announced investment of £140 million with a target of an additional 35,000 places, many of which we are trying to create in the public sector. There is an untapped opportunity there, which the Government are looking into.
I assure the hon. Lady that we intend to increase the number of apprenticeship places. I remind her that we recently announced investment of £140 million with a target of an additional 35,000 places, many of which we are trying to create in the public sector. There is an untapped opportunity there, which the Government are looking into.
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Asked by
Julie Kirkbride
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Oral answers to questions
In her earlier answer, the Minister acknowledged that there were almost 100,000 fewer apprenticeships this year than the Prime Minister had anticipated in his announcement in 2003. If we can only achieve a figure of around 230,000 after the years of boom, how many apprenticeships does she think there will be next year, during the years of bust?
Subjects
Apprentices
Date
26 January 2009
Reference
487 c8
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What we want to do is ensure that young people have the information, advice and guidance they need to know what options are available to them. Either of those two options is a route towards a higher-level degree. The route is either through an apprenticeship, which is occupation-specific, or through a diploma, which is wider and more sector-specific. It is important to give the right advice and guidance to young people to enable them to choose the correct route for them. Either route is acceptable to a university: we have already been told by Oxford and Cambridge this year that they will accept the advanced diploma in engineering as a qualification for their undergraduate courses.
What we want to do is ensure that young people have the information, advice and guidance they need to know what options are available to them. Either of those two options is a route towards a higher-level degree. The route is either through an apprenticeship, which is occupation-specific, or through a diploma, which is wider and more sector-specific. It is important to give the right advice and guidance to young people to enable them to choose the correct route for them. Either route is acceptable to a university: we have already been told by Oxford and Cambridge this year that they will accept the advanced diploma in engineering as a qualification for their undergraduate courses.
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Asked by
Tony Baldry
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Oral answers to questions
I am slightly confused, so I want to ask the Minister a question that is genuinely about seeking knowledge. Should I be encouraging youngsters—and employers on their behalf—in towns like Bicester to stay on at school to do a diploma in engineering, or should be I be encouraging them to leave school at 16 to try to find an apprenticeship? I am just a bit confused by the overlap between diplomas and apprenticeships in vocational qualifications.
Subjects
Apprentices
Date
26 January 2009
Reference
487 c5
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. Unlike my right hon. Friend the Minister for Schools and Learners, I did not study geography at A-level, but even I would struggle to think of Essex as on the way from Wakefield up through the north-west. On the hon. Gentleman's other point, however, getting employers involved is certainly crucial. Just last month we published our building stronger partnerships employer engagement strategy. It is important to get employers involved as early as possible in the education of young people. There are benefits on both sides—for schools and employers. By working closely together, we can get the benefits to which the hon. Gentleman referred.
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. Unlike my right hon. Friend the Minister for Schools and Learners, I did not study geography at A-level, but even I would struggle to think of Essex as on the way from Wakefield up through the north-west. On the hon. Gentleman's other point, however, getting employers involved is certainly crucial. Just last month we published our building stronger partnerships employer engagement strategy. It is important to get employers involved as early as possible in the education of young people. There are benefits on both sides—for schools and employers. By working closely together, we can get the benefits to which the hon. Gentleman referred.
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Asked by
Bob Spink
(Independent (affiliation))
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Oral answers to questions
On her tour, would the Minister care to call in at Castle Point in Essex? We should all welcome the Government's apprenticeships initiative. It is important, particularly in the current economic environment, that we invest for the future. Will the Minister be spending any additional funding to try to get employers involved in targeting this particular age group, in order to make sure they understand both that there is relevance in what they are doing and that there is a future opportunity for them with real employees on work-based schemes?
Subjects
Apprentices
Date
26 January 2009
Reference
487 c9
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I agree with my hon. Friend that we must look to the future. I also agree with something that was said at a summit I attended recently: the lesson has been learned that after coming out of downturns the biggest regret has always been that people did not invest sufficiently in training. We are certainly not going to make that mistake. If I go on a regional tour, after I have been through Yorkshire I am sure it will not be too far to visit the north-west, and I will certainly try to find time to visit my hon. Friend's constituency.
I agree with my hon. Friend that we must look to the future. I also agree with something that was said at a summit I attended recently: the lesson has been learned that after coming out of downturns the biggest regret has always been that people did not invest sufficiently in training. We are certainly not going to make that mistake. If I go on a regional tour, after I have been through Yorkshire I am sure it will not be too far to visit the north-west, and I will certainly try to find time to visit my hon. Friend's constituency.
Answered by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Asked by
Rosie Cooper
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Oral answers to questions
My hon. Friend is much in demand today as I, too, would like to invite her to my constituency to visit the new West Lancashire construction academy. It is a state-of-the-art facility offering training and apprenticeships in the construction industry, and we will need those skills in preparation for the return of demand in the housing market and, of course, for the building of affordable housing, especially in my constituency.
Subjects
Apprentices
Date
26 January 2009
Reference
487 c8
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons