Vocational Qualifications Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Vocational Qualifications

Steve Rotheram Excerpts
Wednesday 5th March 2014

(10 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Matt Hancock Portrait Matthew Hancock
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I pay tribute to Nestlé. I also pay tribute to members of the 5% Club, who have committed to having 5% of their work force as apprentices and graduate entrants. That will make sure that we can give jobs, as they become available, to young people in this country.

Steve Rotheram Portrait Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab)
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I am a beneficiary of vocational training, as a former apprentice brickie. Is the Minister aware that the figure he gave of 12 months for the minimum length of stay is only 11 months, according to BIS? Does he believe that short-term vocational programmes, rather than apprenticeships, damage the apprenticeship brand?

Matt Hancock Portrait Matthew Hancock
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I agree with the hon. Gentleman that driving up quality is very important. I pay tribute to him, not least in that for all potential apprenticeships watching, he stands as an example of where apprenticeships can get people.