As of 31 March 2020, the Civil Service has achieved a total of 2.1% of its total workforce as apprentices against the legislative target for the public sector of 2.3% by March 2021.<\/p>
<\/p>
Core Defra has achieved 1% of the total staff employed within the department. A further 57 apprentices are currently being enrolled and we expect these to be fully enrolled by 31/03/21.<\/p>
<\/p>
This target is a percentage of the total workforce so the percentage attained will change in line with workforce fluctuations over time, making it challenging to predict when a department will meet it. The data for 2018/19 can be found here<\/a>. The data for 2019/20 can be found here<\/a>.<\/p> <\/p> Defra has an apprenticeship strategy which has the following priorities:<\/p> <\/p> <\/p> Defra is launching three recruitment campaigns in National Apprenticeship Week (8\u201314 February) for the following apprenticeships: Project Management Level 4; Policy Officer Level 4; Business Administration Level 3.<\/p> <\/p> Departments are committed to increasing the number of apprentices across the Civil Service and continue to work towards the 2.3% target.<\/p>"}
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], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1235561/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " As of 31 March 2020, the Civil Service has achieved a total of 2.1% of its total workforce as apprentices against the legislative target for the public sector of 2.3% by March 2021. Defra had achieved 1% of the total staff employed within the department.<\/p> <\/p> In Defra group, we have taken the following steps towards the public sector apprenticeship target.<\/p> <\/p> We have reactivated our \u2018Early Talent\u2019 Strategy for 2020/21 to focus on:<\/p> We have identified a number of levers that can be used to achieve the above and these are actively being discussed within the business. We continue to enhance the information and tools available to line managers to improve understanding.<\/p> <\/p> While there are a number of standards that we can actively use, given the unique nature and breadth of our activities in Defra group, we continue to explore and invest in trailblazer activity.<\/p> <\/p> Defra group has been focused on delivery against EU exit requirements and more recently COVID-19. Defra remains committed to the Civil Service Apprenticeship Strategy and is looking to increase our use of apprenticeships across Defra group over the next 12 months.<\/p> <\/p>