Peter Kyle – 2015 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Peter Kyle on 2015-11-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of (a) long-term skills and employment needs of the digital economy, (b) the role apprenticeships could play in meeting those needs and (c) the role alternative forms of professional training and vocational education could play in meeting those needs; and whether he plans for alternative forms of digital skills development to be supported by the Apprenticeship Levy.

Mr Edward Vaizey

Research from the Tech Partnership, estimates over a million new recruits are needed for digital roles across the workforce by 2023, including in growth areas such as cyber security, data analytics, cloud and mobile computing skills.

Apprenticeships have a key role to play in meeting the UK’s digital skills requirements. As part of the commitment to reach 3 million apprenticeships starts by 2020, Government is supporting the growth of apprenticeships in digital industry occupations at a range of levels, including the Digital Degree Apprenticeship. Employer-led apprenticeship reforms continue to improve quality and provide the high level skills that employers need.

Planned reforms to technical and professional education will introduce a new system of clear progression routes, from school to skilled employment.

The Chancellor will announce further details of the Apprenticeship Levy at the Spending Review, including the scope and rate.