Analysis of the current UK Apprenticeship Levy and policy recommendations for how it can be adapted to provide a better apprenticeships system and workforce training support
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CIPD research shows UK employer investment in training continues to decline and overall apprenticeship numbers have dropped, especially for young people who most benefit from and need apprenticeships. Working with Youth Futures Foundation, this report calls for a reform of the existing Apprenticeship Levy to enhance employer investment in skills and boost opportunities for young people to secure apprenticeships that lead to quality employment. |
This report outlines recommendations for a more flexible levy and the introduction of an Apprenticeship Guarantee for young people to rebalance financial subsidies towards younger apprentices.
As it currently stands, the Apprenticeship Levy scheme has not succeeded in reversing the decline in employer investment in training, addressing poor productivity, nor enhancing the quantity and quality of apprenticeships. In reconsidering this area of policy, the next UK Government should aim at:
This will require changes to the apprenticeship as well as the broader skills ecosystem as a whole. The CIPD recommends targeted action by the UK Government in the following areas:
Download the report for the details of these recommendations.
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