Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the Professional and Business Services Jobs Plan, published on 19 October 2026, what estimate he has made of the potential number of additional apprenticeships and work-experience placements that could be delivered in Essex through the plan.

No specific estimate has been made of the number of additional apprenticeships or work-experience placements that will be delivered in Essex. The Professional and Business Services Jobs Plan includes industry commitments to recruit 22,400 apprentices aged under 25 each year for five years and increase work-experience opportunities for young people by 20% over five years. Delivery will depend on employer participation and local needs, with Local Skills Improvement Plans supporting collaboration between employers, education providers and other local partner.