Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many apprentices her Department recruited in (a) 2025, (b) 2022, (c) 2023 and (d) 2024.

The number of apprentices has fallen for a number of reasons:

1. The Government has made several reforms to apprenticeships including the closing of the Civil Service Apprenticeship Unit and setting up Skills England, which has a renewed focus on skills gaps across the country.
2. In May 2025 the Government also announced Level 7 apprenticeships will continue to be Government-funded for young people aged 16-21, and under 25 for care leavers and those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) at the start of their apprenticeship in England.
3. External recruitment campaigns have reduced significantly in 2025 as the department works to reduce staff numbers to meet Spending Review commitments. HM Treasury maintains dedication to apprenticeship as a key route into the department.

HM Treasury remains committed to apprenticeships as one pathway to break down barriers to opportunity. External recruitment campaigns for AO & EO grades are considered for a level 3 apprenticeship where appropriate.

As a result, the department has recruited the following number of apprentices:

2022 - 12

2023 - 4

2024 - 4

2025 – 0