Most government departments employ very few apprentices, if any, according to figures obtained by the Conservatives.
The Ministry of Defence is the exception, employing 3,353 apprentices and 2,489 advanced apprentices. The Department of Children, Schools and Families employs five apprentices and 2,489 advanced apprentices, but other departments, including the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, which spearheads the apprenticeship programme, have none.
Skills secretary John Denham is set to announce new apprenticeships in public services today, to help young people affected by a slow-down in recruitment.
