Government must properly review apprenticeship levy rules and incentives, says AoC

Responding to the Prime Minister's speech on apprenticeships, David Hughes, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges said:

“This announcement from the Prime Minister recognises that the apprenticeship levy is failing young people, with numbers in apprenticeships now far lower than before the levy was introduced in 2017. That’s why we have long called for reform to the apprenticeship levy, not to stop it, but to make sure it results in more young people being able to access apprenticeships, in more small and medium-sized enterprises, in all regions and from all walks of life.

“The overall apprenticeship system is not working for many people, employers, areas of the country and sectors of the economy, and we have seen a dramatic decline in the number of young people undertaking apprenticeships. The targeted funding for all apprenticeships under the age of 21 will make a modest difference, but it is not enough. We urge the government to properly review the levy rules and incentives to ensure the apprenticeship programme works for young people, key sectors and for employers."