Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that secondary schools in Lincolnshire ensure students are aware of vocational and technical qualifications.

The department is strengthening careers guidance so that all young people understand the full range of academic, vocational and technical routes available.

Schools have legal duties to provide independent careers guidance and give pupils at least six opportunities to hear directly from apprenticeship and technical education providers. Statutory guidance makes clear that these encounters should form part of a progressive careers programme, with information provided before key choices at ages 14, 16 and 18.

The department funds the Careers & Enterprise Company and careers hubs to connect schools with employers and training providers. All secondary schools and colleges in Greater Lincolnshire are part of the local careers hub, ensuring that pupils across Lincolnshire benefit from this support. Through its Boosting Skills Pathway Programme, the hub works with construction employers and the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network to raise pupils’ awareness of vocational and technical qualifications, develop employability skills and connect pupils with apprenticeship opportunities.