Modern Apprenticeships (Hansard, 18 July 2003)

§ Mr. Boswell
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when a dedicated website for vacancies for qualified modern apprentices will be introduced. [126788]

§ Mr. Ivan Lewis
This is a matter for the Learning and Skills Council. John Harwood, the Council's Chief Executive, will write to the hon. Member with the information requested and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Library.

§ Mr. Boswell
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills over what time the age cap of 25 for entry to modern apprenticeships will be removed. [126789]

§ Mr. Ivan Lewis
From 1 August 2003, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) will fund those learners who start their Modern Apprenticeship before their 25^th birthday for the full length of the entitlement regardless of their age at the finish. I have asked the LSC to consider how they will respond to those who will reach their 25^th birthday between the Government's Skills Strategy announcement and the end of July 2003.
As we said in our Skills Strategy, "21^st Century Skills—Realising Our Potential", we are committed to ensuring that Modern Apprenticeships are available to those who wish to start over the age of 25. We are working with the LSC and key partners including the Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA) to develop a more flexible approach to Modern Apprenticeship design and funding, reflecting the different needs of adults.