Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many of his Department's target of three million apprenticeship starts by 2020 he expects to be at Level 3 and above.

Targets have not been set for apprenticeships at specific levels.

New apprenticeships standards are being designed by groups of employers as part of our reforms, through the Trailblazers, to meet their needs. These standards reflect the skills, knowledge and behaviours at whatever level is required to undertake the chosen occupation competently and to operate confidently within the sector.

We will continue to grow apprenticeships at Higher (Level 4) and Degree levels. These are widening access to the professions and providing the higher level technical skills that employers need to improve productivity and give young people an equally valid career route as going to university.