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WQ.183/2025
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
BY DEPUTY J. RENOUF OF ST. BRELADE
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 28th APRIL 2025 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 6th MAY 2025
Question
"Further to the adoption of P.5/2023, as amended, will the Minister publish any available data to demonstrate what change, if any, there has been to the number of apprenticeships offered by businesses, charities, and other employment organisations?"
Answer
Further to a Freedom of Information Request published in March 2025, the number of business apprenticeships also attending courses at Highlands College has remained relatively steady in recent years.
This represents the vast majority of apprenticeship pathways on the Island and the Children, Young People, Education and Skills Department also provides support to cover course costs for apprentices studying at other authorised providers.
Combined, the overall numbers of apprentices have remained relatively similar since 2023 at over 450 per year.
To mitigate the potential negative impact on apprenticeships from the minimum wage increases towards a living wage, the Better Business Support Package includes provision for employers to receive £2,000 per eligible apprentice in 2025 and 2026. Apprenticeship uptake will be carefully monitored over this period.
This is alongside the existing support offered by CYPES for the funding of up to £1,600 per apprentice to cover course costs.
These 2 funding sources work in parallel to recognise the value that apprenticeships bring to continuing professional development of the individual and the long-term, wider benefits to the economy.