The All Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships is a cross-party group of MPs and Peers which provides a forum for parliamentarians and employers to discuss how to promote the role of high quality apprenticeships.
About the Group
The APPG aims to create a positive, constructive platform that builds a strong relationship with the Government and collaborates with them in developing policies that support the uptake of apprenticeships.
The key objectives of the Group include: raising awareness amongst parliamentarians and policymakers of the vital role apprenticeships play in the economy; communicating the significance of apprenticeship delivery as a way of enhancing UK productivity and social mobility; and supporting MPs & Peers to champion high-quality apprenticeships in communities, the education system and workplace.
Contact the Group
Connect provide the Secretariat to the Group on behalf of the Group sponsors. For information on Connect’s clients, please visit the PRCA Register.
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For further information please contact us on 0207 592 9592 or
ApprenticeshipsAPPG@connectpa.co.uk
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This is not an official website [or feed] of Parliament. It has not been approved by either House. APPGs are informal groups of parliamentarians with a common interest in particular issues. The views expressed are those of the Group.
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Co-Chairs
Andrew Pakes MP
Andrew was elected as the Member of Parliament for Peterborough in July 2024, having previously served as a Councillor for the London Borough of Southwark between 2006 and 2010. Immediately before his election to Parliament, he worked as the Deputy General Secretary of Prospect – a trade union representing engineers, managers and scientists across both the public and private sector. Apprenticeships and skills are one of his core priorities as an MP, and he will be working through this Parliament to give the next generation the opportunity to gain skills that will equip them for the future job market.
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Toby Perkins MP
Toby was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Chesterfield in 2010, having previously served as a Councillor for the Chesterfield Borough Council, ran an online rugby clothing business and managed a social enterprise providing nursery care to derived communities. Having shadowed the apprenticeships, education, small business and armed forces portfolios under successive Labour leaders, Toby has also sat on the Communities and Local Government, International Trade, Home Affairs and Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Select Committees. He views apprenticeships reform and revitalised training opportunities as essential to meeting current economic challenges, enabling people at every stage of their lives to learn, retrain and progress at work.
Full membership
Andrew Pakes, Labour (Co-op), Co-Chair
Toby Perkins, Labour, Co-Chair
Lord Aberdare, Crossbench, Officer
Peter Bedford, Conservative, Officer
Baroness Garden, Liberal Democrat, Member
Lord Blunkett, Labour, Member
Lord Haskel, Labour, Member
Lord Lucas, Conservative, Member
Lord Young of Norwood Green, Labour, Member
Lord Watson of Invergowrie, Labour, Member
Oliver Ryan, Labour (Co-op), Member
Luke Myer, Labour, Member
Richard Quigley, Labour, Member
Gideon Amos, Liberal Democrat, Member
Bob Blackman, Conservative, Member
Gareth Snell, Labour (Co-op), Member
Will Stone, Labour, Member
John Slinger, Labour, Member
James Asser, Labour, Member
Baroness Wolf, Crossbench, Member
George Freeman, Conservative, Member
David Taylor, Labour, Member
​Jo White, Labour, Member
Adam Thompson, Labour, Member
Anneliese Midgley, Labour, Member
Jayne Kirkham, Labour, Member
Lord Allen of Kensington, Labour, Member
Lee Pitcher, Labour, Member
James Frith, Labour, Member
Ian Sollom, Liberal Democrats, Member
Jodie Gosling. Labour, Member
David Williams, Labour, Member
New report published
The APPG on Apprenticeships has today, Tuesday 11 July, launched its latest annual report, forming part of the APPG’s effort to ensure better access to apprenticeships for both learners and employers. This is critical as we begin the build-up to the next general election.
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Over the last year, the APPG has explored the opportunities and challenges currently facing apprenticeships provision in England. From the drive to net zero to reforming the Levy and encouraging more SMEs to take on apprentices, our topics have been varied and our speakers diverse.
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Their insights have informed the basis of the report, which presents a series of policy recommendations to improve the delivery of apprenticeships, support SMEs to provide opportunities and ensure better access to apprenticeships for learners and employers.
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Commenting on the report launch, Charlotte Nichols MP and Jonathan Gullis MP, Co-Chairs of the APPG, said:
“It is our pleasure to present the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships’ annual report for 2022-23.
“In a year that has brought us three Prime Ministers and three Secretaries of State for Education, it has been a fascinating time for us both to hear from the huge variety of speakers who have joined our meetings.
“This report gathers evidence from our sessions, in addition to data and case studies from some of the UK’s top apprentice employers, to look to the future of apprenticeships provision. It is clear from our findings that further flexibility is needed when it comes to the Levy if we are to continue to see businesses, particularly SMEs, employ and train apprentices to meet the skills needs of the future.
“We will continue in our work to promote best practice for apprenticeships policy, bringing diverse and experienced voices to the table and building cross-party consensus on this most vital of education debates.”
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APPG on Apprenticeships:
The Government's vision for apprenticeships
When: Monday 16 December 15:30-16:30
Where: Room C, 1 Parliament Street, Portcullis House, & online via Microsoft Teams
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With the Skills Minister, Rt Hon Baroness Smith, as our the keynote speaker, this will be a general session to explore the Government’s priorities including levy reform and the creation of Skills England, and an initial opportunity to understand the expected timelines, legislative agenda and how DfE intends to consult industry, training providers and the wider education sector before enacting reforms.
This event will be held in person at the House of Commons and broadcast live via Teams. Please use this form to sign up to receive joining details, which will be distributed shortly before the event. In-person spaces are prioritised for Parliamentarians and APPG sponsors, so we would ask that external stakeholders join virtually.
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If you have any questions, please contact ApprenticeshipsAPPG@connectpa.co.uk.
Group Sponsors
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