To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions his Department has had with Crossrail Limited on its skills requirements for employees. (308501)

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is working with Crossrail to agree a Skills and Employment Plan for the project from 2010 and is a member of the Crossrail Skills and Employment Committee. The LSC’s response to Crossrail’s skills needs closely reflects the work and planning undertaken with the Olympic Delivery Authority for the 2012 games and includes work to ensure careers advisors are aware of the types of jobs that may be created by the Crossrail project including around 400 new apprenticeship opportunities.

The Skills Funding Agency, which replaces the LSC in April 2010, will continue to work with Crossrail on its skills requirements for employees.