Minister of State for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education

United Kingdom Minister of State for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education
Royal Arms of His Majesty's Government
Incumbent Jacqui Smith since 6 July 2024
Department for Education
Style	Minister
Nominator	Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Appointer	The Monarch on advice of the Prime Minister
Formation	2001 (Second Blair ministry)
First holder	Margaret Hodge MP
Website	https://www.gov.uk/government/ministers/minister-of-state-minister-for-higher-and-further-education

The Minister of State for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education,^[1] formerly the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills, Further and Higher Education, previously the Minister of State for Universities, is a mid-level position in the Department for Education in the British government. The position has been filled by Jacqui Smith since July 2024.^[2] The minister has oversight over skills and higher and further education, including universities and the Student Loans Company.

Under New Labour, the role was known as Minister of State for Higher Education and Minister of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Under the Cameron–Clegg coalition and May ministries, the role became known as Minister of State for Universities, Science and Cities and Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation. The role of Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Research and Innovation was created out of this office.

Following the 2021 British cabinet reshuffle under the second Johnson ministry, the role was known as Minister of State for Higher and Further Education and the officeholder, Michelle Donelan, was given the right to attend Cabinet. Under Donelan's successor, Andrea Jenkyns, the position was demoted to Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.

At certain times, the Minister worked in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The short form Skills Minister is sometimes used.^[3]