Mr. Conor Thompson:

I thank the Deputy for the question around uptake and knowledge and awareness of apprentices. At AONTAS, we are very linked in with networks across Europe and we are the co-ordinator for the new European agenda for adult learning. We are always gathering examples from colleagues. One very successful programme we are aware of, and which we can share details on, is the Welsh junior apprenticeship programme for years 10 and 11, which is for those aged between 14 and 16 years. They are really getting in at an early age there, especially for young people who are perhaps being failed by education or, for whatever reason, are not having a good experience. They are getting that early on. That speaks to that wider point around parity of esteem between further education and training and higher education and that equality of condition for learners in either further education or higher education. It also gets to the point Ms McDonnell made that supports for disabled learners in both further and higher education should be equal.