Question
25. What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on increasing apprenticeship opportunities for young people.
Answer
My hon. Friends are entirely right to focus on the need for more apprenticeship opportunities for young people. Reversing the 40% decline in youth apprenticeships since 2016 is a top priority. That is why the Government are investing £3.3 billion in apprenticeships, and why the Chancellor has announced the expansion of local apprenticeship services to all mayors.
Verdict: AMBER (28/100)
The reply gives a general account of government policy on youth apprenticeships, including the 40% decline in starts, a £3.3 billion investment, and plans to expand local apprenticeship services to mayors. It does not answer the specific part of the question about the minister's engagement with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, and the only other figure it names is the Chancellor. The asker would likely need to follow up to get that specific information.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is the nature of the minister's engagement with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on increasing apprenticeship opportunities for young people. | Partially Addressed | Generic | The reply substantively describes government policy on youth apprenticeships (the 40% decline, the £3.3 billion investment, and expanding local apprenticeship services to mayors), which partly answers the general-position reading of the item. However, nothing describes the minister's engagement with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, and the only other actor named is the Chancellor, so the specific engagement the item asks about is not addressed. |