Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the impact of the apprenticeship levy on (a) opportunities for young people in disadvantaged areas and (b) the provision of industry-related skills and education to young people.

This government is committed to ensuring that more young people can benefit from the skills, knowledge, and career development opportunities that an apprenticeship provides. That is why we are increasing investment in apprenticeships to £2.7 billion by 2024/25 through the apprenticeship levy.

The department has launched the Career Starter apprenticeships campaign, showcasing Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships suitable for young people leaving full-time education and we continue to actively promote apprenticeships in schools, including in disadvantaged areas, through our Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge (ASK) programme.

To support more Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME), who play an important role in creating opportunities for young people and in disadvantaged areas, to access the benefits of apprenticeships, we have launched an SME Pathfinder service across four regions in the North of England. Specialists will engage with employers who have not had an apprentice in the past two years, highlighting the many benefits that apprentices bring to business and provide support with the apprentice recruitment process.

Recognising that additional resource may be required to support younger apprentices or those with disabilities, the department continues to offer payments to employers and providers supporting disadvantaged apprentices. This includes a £1000 payment when employing an apprentice aged 16-18, care-leavers aged 19-24 and those aged 19-24 with an Education Health and Care plan.