The Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee met on 26th April to take further evidence on apprenticeships.

Evidence was heard from David Way, Interim Chief Executive of the National Apprenticeship Service and Geoff Russell, Chief Executive of the Skills Funding Agency.

Mr Way summarised the main achievement of the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) as expanding the number of work places now offering apprenticeships compared to a few years ago.

Margot James MP asked Mr Russell what action has been taken to ensure that all training providers are of good quality. He said that the Skills Funding Agency undertakes checks on providers through Companies House before they can be eligible for funding, which look at their financial health, directors and track record. He also stated that the number of poor training providers is relatively low.

Margot also asked Mr Way about how British apprenticeships compare to those in other countries. Mr Way said that levels in the UK are typically lower than in other countries, with most European countries setting apprenticeships at Level 3, rather than 2. He commented that the National Apprenticeship Service have an internal target to increase the number of advanced level apprenticeships.