Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether (a) community and (b) private training providers holding traineeship contracts are able to access 16-19 study programmes.

The department is committed to providing a comprehensive skills offer for employers and individuals. We have decided to integrate the Traineeship programme into the 16 to 19 study programme and adult education provision from 1 August 2023. All the elements of the Traineeship programme will continue to be funded for 16 to 19-year-olds, as part of the national 16 to 19 study programme, and for adults through the adult education budget (AEB).

Providers with access to funding, including further education colleges and independent training providers, can choose to continue to offer Traineeship programmes for young people who need support to get into work, apprenticeships, or further learning.

In areas where the AEB has been devolved, Mayoral Combined Authorities and Greater London Authority will decide on how best to support young adults in their areas.

The department is continuing to work with the sector and combined authorities to ensure there is a smooth transition and there are no gaps in provision, so that young people can continue to gain the skills they need to support them into apprenticeships, work, or further learning.