WOMEN APPRENTICES

Early day motion 1313, tabled 23 March 2016 by Jess Phillips (Labour). Signed by 40 members.

That this House believes that apprenticeships offer a vital opportunity for young people to earn a living, learn new skills and make an invaluable contribution to the organisations for which they work, their local communities and to the wider economy; shares concerns raised by Young Women's Trust research that young women apprentices are paid less, receive less training and are more likely to be unemployed on completion of their apprenticeship; recognises the contribution of occupational segregation to these outcomes and to the persistent skills shortages in sectors vital to the country's economic success; further recognises the efforts of some excellent apprenticeship schemes that seek better outcomes for young women; believes that an increased focus on gender diversity is essential if the Government is to meet its target of creating three million new apprenticeships by 2020; and calls on the Government to promote positive action, issue fresh guidance on increasing the offer of flexible and part-time apprenticeships and promote high quality careers advice to young women.

Signatures by party: Labour 16, Scottish National Party 14, DUP 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Conservative 1, Green 1, Independent 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.