To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the development of a public sector apprenticeship strategy.

My Department has not committed to developing a standalone public sector apprenticeship strategy and there are no current plans to do so.

The Apprenticeship Action Plan commits my officials to working across departments and with public sector employers to develop tailored pathways and strengthen collaboration to build the future public sector workforce.

My officials continue to engage with public sector employers to explore how we can maximise public sector apprenticeship opportunities within the current funding framework, build the skills and talent pipeline for public service employers, and help shape our policy in this area.

However, while this work is being considered within existing and contingency planning budgets, ongoing budget pressures may limit how far we can take this work forward at this time.

I will continue to make the case for increased funding for skills and apprenticeships.