<p>We do not hold details of the numbers of apprenticeship places created through public procurement contracts</p><p>However, we are keen to maximise the contribution public procurement can make to our drive to increase apprenticeship numbers through adopting a flexible and voluntary approach rather than making it a mandatory requirement in every contract.</p><p>We have established a Ministerial Champions Group to raise awareness of the benefits of apprenticeships and to encourage Ministers to promote apprenticeships within their spheres of responsibility. We are also exploring the development of ‘kitemarking’ good employers, including public sector suppliers who invest in skills and apprenticeships in their workforce. Finally, we are working with officials in the Cabinet Office to consider how streamlined information on skills can be incorporated into Cabinet Office procurement guidance.</p><p>Consideration of skills and apprenticeships in the procurement process must take place on a case-by-case basis, assessing whether they are relevant and proportionate to the contract, do not discriminate and are consistent with value for money policy.</p>