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Paul Scully appeared on LBC to discuss the Government's new apprenticeship scheme which will reward companies with grants for hiring apprentices. But things went quickly wrong for Mr

Scully when he was simply asked how much the new programme would cost the British taxpayer. Radio host Nick Ferrari was astounded the minister did not have any figures on him whatsoever in a

painfully awkward clash on air.  Mr Scully appeared on several broadcasters during an early morning media round and appeared on LBC to discuss the new apprenticeship scheme.  A jovial Mr

Ferrari began the interview off by asking how much was “in the kitty” to which a confused Mr Scully misunderstood what he was asking.  The minister told the programme businesses could now

apply for grants if their hire apprentices but noticeably left out how much they would be getting.  Under the new scheme, businesses can get £3,000 per apprentice they hire full time.  Mr

Ferrari asked his question differently and asked how much was the total funding.  Again, a confused Mr Scully floundered and said the funding was not “open-ended” and admitted he did not

have the figures with him. Mr Ferrari did not let the minister off the hook, who was desperately trying to move on from the questioning, with the LBC presenter asking why did he not have the

details. Mr Scully explained he was doing his media round to promote the new scheme and vaguely explained the funding comes from a levy that businesses have been paying into already.  Mr

Scully apologised and said he would get the figures next time he spoke with Mr Ferrari.  Employers can claim £3,000 as part of a new scheme that encourages companies to hire apprentices full

time.  Any apprentice hired between April 1 and September 30 will be eligible with companies free to use the £3,000 as they so wish. Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the scheme in the March

budget and hopes it would help younger people enter the job market.