The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the acting chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Mel Groves. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
Letter from Mel Groves:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what role Jobcentres have in the promotion and uptake of Government-funded apprenticeships. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Acting Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
Jobcentre Plus work in partnership with the Learning and Skills Council and local agencies to promote apprenticeship opportunities and our advisers will discuss and refer customers to apprenticeship vacancies in the normal course of business. Apprenticeship vacancies that are notified to Jobcentre Plus are clearly displayed on Jobpoints in all Jobcentres and on our vacancies Internet site.
In addition, we signpost and refer customers to careers advisory services where customers who might benefit from apprenticeship training receive more in-depth advice and guidance.
Jobcentre Plus promotes the Government’s funding for training to employers as part of our integrated approach to providing an employment and skills service with our learning and skills partners.