Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether information on all apprenticeship starts and completions, including apprenticeships delivered through independent training providers and to adult apprentices, is included in the Longitudinal Individualised Learner Record.

All providers of all government funded apprenticeships are required to submit information on apprenticeship starts and completions which are held on the Longitudinal Individualised Learner Record.

Starts and achievements on the Level 2 Bricklayer, Level 3 Craft Bricklayer, Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery, Level 3 Craft Carpentry and Joinery, Level 2 Painter and Decorator, Level 3 Craft Painter and Decorator and Level 2 Plasterer apprenticeship standards can be found here and attached. 'Subjects - Starts, Achievements, Enrolments by Age, Sex, Ethnicity, LLDD, SSA, Detailed level, Standard-framework' from 'Apprenticeships', Permanent data table - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK.

Apprenticeships are occupationally specific and employers are responsible for determining whether an individual has the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to start a particular apprenticeship. There is no general requirement for an individual to have completed a Level 2 apprenticeship in order to begin the corresponding Level 3 apprenticeship.

In relation to the Level 3 Craft Painting and Decorating, Level 3 Craft Plastering, and Level 3 Craft Bricklaying standard, completion of the associated Level 2 apprenticeship is not a mandatory prerequisite. An apprentice may start a Level 3 apprenticeship where they can demonstrate the relevant prior knowledge, skills and experience required by the employer and training provider.

Employers are free to set entry requirements for their vacancies, taking account of the content and level of the apprenticeship standard. The government expects training providers and employers to take account of relevant prior learning and occupational competence when determining whether an applicant is suitable for a particular apprenticeship programme.

Where an individual has already acquired some of the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the apprenticeship standard, this must be recognised through an assessment of prior learning and the apprenticeship content and duration adjusted accordingly.