Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent steps she has taken to raise awareness of apprenticeships in (a) rural and (b) remote areas.

This government has a driving mission to break down barriers to opportunity and to grow the economy.

The department continues to raise awareness of the benefits of apprenticeships across the country, including in rural areas. This includes promoting apprenticeships to young people, adults and employers through the Skills for Life campaign. The department also supports the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, a network of over 2,000 volunteer employers and former and current apprentices, who volunteer their time to inform and inspire the next generation of apprentices and apprentice employers.

The department is transforming career opportunities and advice to increase awareness of the range of high-quality options available to young people, including apprenticeships.

The department has committed to guarantee two weeks’ worth of work experience for every young person, as well as to establish a national jobs and careers service to support people into successful long-term employment.