Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many apprentices were employed on defence programmes in Scotland in 2025-2026.
Answer
The Ministry of Defence is committed to expanding high-quality apprenticeship opportunities in Scotland as defence investment increases. Defence programmes in Scotland already support substantial apprenticeship opportunities. For example, the Type 31 programme at Rosyth has created 150 apprenticeship opportunities, while Navantia UK has announced plans to increase its apprenticeship opportunities to 750 by 2030, which will directly benefit Scotland. We are also investing in the skills pipeline for the future. We will establish two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges (DTECs) in Scotland, one in the East and one in the West, helping to develop the skilled workforce needed by Defence and the defence industry, directly enhancing apprenticeship opportunities.17% vibes
Verdict: AMBER (30/100)
The question asked for the total number of apprentices on all defence programmes in Scotland in 2025-26. The reply gives a figure for only one programme, the Type 31 frigate work at Rosyth (150 opportunities, with no time period stated), and a future target for 2030. It does not give the overall total or say that the department holds no such total, so the question is only partly answered and a follow-up would likely be needed to get the figure asked for.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| How many apprentices were employed on defence programmes in Scotland in 2025-26 | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The question asks for a total count of apprentices on all defence programmes in Scotland in 2025-26, but the reply only gives a figure for one programme (Type 31 at Rosyth, 150 opportunities, with no stated period) and a future Navantia target for 2030. It never gives the total asked for and does not say that this is all the department holds, so the literal figure is unanswered. |