Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to expand apprenticeship opportunities in high-demand sectors.

This Government is transforming the apprenticeships offer into a new growth and skills offer which will deliver greater flexibility for employers and learners, and support the industrial strategy. At Autumn Budget, the Chancellor announced additional investment of £725m to deliver the next phase of the Growth and Skills Levy.

In August, we introduced new foundation apprenticeships to give young people a route into careers in critical sectors, such as construction and health and social care, enabling them to earn a wage while developing vital skills. They are underpinned by additional funding for employers of up to £2,000 to contribute to the extra costs of supporting someone at the beginning of their career.

We recently announced that the next wave of foundation apprenticeships would be rolled out in sectors such as retail and hospitality.

From April 2026, employers will also be able to access short, flexible training courses in critical skills areas such as artificial intelligence, digital and engineering to help respond quickly to evolving skills needs.