§ Mark TamiTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to promote the level of apprenticeships in the UK. [39897]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisLast November, at the launch of the new generation of Modern Apprenticeships, the Secretary of State announced a £16 million marketing campaign, to be run over three years in England, to promote apprenticeships and boost participation. That campaign, led jointly by the Department and the Learning and Skills Council, starts on 4 March with a new television advertisement, aimed at young people, which will run until the end of the month.
From the spring, a range of marketing measures will be introduced to reach not only young people, but also key influencers and employers. At the local level, Learning and Skills Councils, Connexions Partnerships, careers services and other partners will work together to raise awareness of, and foster support for, Modern Apprenticeships; and to provide young people with essential information and advice on the opportunities available in their communities. It is a key role of National Training Organisations and their successors the Sector Skills Councils in partnership with the LSC to ensure that employers continue to support MA and that they provide sufficient places to meet the demand from young people.
Marketing and promotion of MAs in the rest of the country is for the devolved Administrations.