Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that Skills England undertakes structured engagement with employers in the aviation sector before the proposed retirement of apprenticeship standards.

The government recognises the importance of aviation apprenticeships in helping employers develop a skilled workforce. Skills England is consulting with stakeholders on the proposal to retire certain occupational standards, often due to low levels of new starts or a range of delivery challenges, including limited provider availability. The potential impact on youth employment and skills development opportunities will form part of the assessment of consultation responses.

As an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions. Skills England reviews standards to ensure that they continue to meet employer need. The current consultation is still live, and no final decision has been taken. Aviation sector stakeholders have been engaged throughout, and we will continue to work closely with them throughout the process.