Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Heaton-Harris and Nick Boles

Tuesday 10th November 2015 Commons Chamber

[Nick Boles]

I am absolutely delighted to be able to tell the hon. Gentleman three specific things. First, we are introducing an apprenticeship levy. I would have thought that he might have taken the time to welcome it, because it will require larger employers to make a substantial investment in apprenticeships. Secondly, we have reformed the Construction Leadership Council under new leadership and charged it with taking a very active role in promoting apprenticeships in the sector. Thirdly, I regularly meet the new, very focused leadership team of the Construction Industry Training Board, and I have charged it with focusing on apprenticeships as the key method of delivering high-quality training and further skills.

[Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con)]

12. What steps he is taking to address the shortage of drivers in the road haulage industry.

[The Minister for Skills (Nick Boles)]

Mr Speaker, you can see why I was a little bit nervous about popping up again.

We are working closely with a group of leading sector employers to support the development of a new apprenticeship standard for heavy goods vehicle drivers. The standard will equip apprentices with the driving skills the road haulage industry needs.

[Chris Heaton-Harris]

Could my hon. Friend name five—no, I will not go there.

Will my hon. Friend work with employers in the road haulage industry to try to incentivise driving as a career choice for young people?

[Nick Boles]

Yes, I absolutely will. There is a desperate need for more skilled drivers. It is actually a great opportunity for people who are in relatively low-skilled employment. We had a very interesting discussion in the Social Justice Cabinet Committee recently about this being an opportunity, as a very good kind of first employment, for ex-offenders. A Defence Minister has mentioned that it is a great opportunity for people leaving the forces. We need to do more on all sides in the Government.