Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps he is taking to increase the number of apprenticeships in the nuclear industry.

We are committed to 3 million apprenticeship starts during this parliament. We are developing a comprehensive plan for growth and are fully committed to finding more ways to encourage employers, colleges and schools to work together to increase the number of apprenticeships for our young people.

We are implementing reforms that will give greater control of apprenticeships to employers so that they meet the skills needs of a wide range of businesses and enable them to offer more opportunities. Over 1200 employers are already involved in designing new apprenticeship standards including in the nuclear sector – the Nuclear Trailblazer has developed and published two new apprenticeship standards for Nuclear Health Physics Monitor and Nuclear Welding Inspection Technician - with more in development.