Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking with (a) Skills England, (b) employers and (c) trade unions to help increase the (i) range and (ii) uptake of seafarer apprenticeships in maritime communities.

The government recognises the importance of maritime apprenticeships in helping employers develop a skilled workforce and in creating opportunities for people in maritime communities to enter rewarding careers at sea. Skills England works with employers and sector bodies to develop and maintain a range of maritime apprenticeship standards, ensuring they reflect employer needs.

To increase apprenticeship opportunities, the Government is introducing a £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment for non-levy paying employers who recruit 16 to 24-year-olds as new apprentice employees. In addition, apprenticeship training is now fully funded for all eligible under-25s at employers of all sizes, helping more young people access opportunities in sectors such as maritime.