To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many people in each (a) age group and (b) region and of each (i) sex and (ii) ethnic group (A) started and (B) completed apprenticeships in management in each of the last five years. (268145)

Tables 1, 2, 3 and 4 show the number of apprenticeship and advanced apprenticeship starts and achievements in management related frameworks (Business Administration and Management) in the last five years, broken down by age, gender, ethnicity and region, respectively. Copies of these tables have been provided and the relevant data will be placed in the Library.

The Government are committed to rebuilding apprenticeships. Since 1997 we have witnessed a renaissance in apprenticeships from a low point of 65,000 to a record 225,000 apprenticeship starts in 2007-08. Completion rates are also at a record high with 64 per cent. successfully completing an apprenticeship—up from 37 per cent. in 2004-05.