To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans her Department has to support pre-apprenticeship programmes following the decision to close the national traineeship programme.

As part of the government’s commitment to provide a comprehensive and clear skills offer for employers and individuals, the department has decided to integrate the traineeship programme into the 16 to 19 study programme and adult education provision from 1 August 2023.

All the elements of the traineeship programme, English and maths, work experience, employability and occupational skills, and qualifications, will continue to be funded for 16 to 19-year-olds as part of the national 16 to 19 study programme, and for adults through the adult education budget. This means that providers with access to funding can continue to offer traineeship type programmes for young people who need support to get into work, apprenticeships, or further learning.

The department will also continue to support young people to get the skills they need for apprenticeships or other employment through government-funded programmes such as T levels and the T level transition programme, Bootcamps, and Sector-Based Work Academies. The new ‘Career Starter Apprenticeships’ campaign is also raising awareness of apprenticeships which offer great opportunities for those looking for their first role after leaving full-time education.