Reforms to apprenticeship levy are essential and must extend beyond a demand-led model

The government has announced reforms to the apprenticeship system including changes to the apprenticeship levy.

 

The changes involve:

• Growth and skills levy launched, giving more flexibility in how businesses fund apprenticeships
• New foundation apprenticeships being developed to give young people a foot in the door, along with shorter apprenticeships in some areas.
• Inaugural Skills England report also published today, highlighting critical importance of government skills agenda to future economic growth.

Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary of Prospect, said:

“The government’s announcement of apprenticeship reforms is welcome, in particular changes to the apprenticeship Levy which Prospect has been calling for.

“A more flexible approach to using the levy is essential but must extend beyond a demand-led model. Skills England and equivalent bodies must generate a much higher throughput of skilled workers ready to deploy as opportunities arise.”