Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Neville-Rolfe on 6 July (HL793), what assessment they have made of the compatibility of the measures with the figures set out by the Confederation of British Industry in their publication <i>Gateway to Growth</i> on education and skills.

The CBI Gateway to Growth report contains a wide range of figures which underline the need for more higher-level technical skills, more STEM skills, more employers involved in apprenticeships and ensuring people are equipped with the skills that employers need.

The measures set out in my reply of 6 July are fully compatible with these needs. Our goal through apprenticeships and national colleges is to equip people with the skills, in many cases higher level technical skills, that employers need. We are committed to 3 million apprenticeship starts this parliament and are developing a comprehensive plan for growth, including more work with large employers and more support for small businesses. Our reforms are aimed at simplifying apprenticeships, increasing quality and putting employers at the heart of delivery and design so that they get people with the skills that they need. Our work on such things as ‘Your-Life’ campaign, Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, STEM ambassadors in schools, improved careers advice and investment in HE teaching and facilities is designed to stimulate interest in STEM subjects and the careers that they lead to and ensure high quality learning for those that pursue them.