THE UK’s apprenticeship system needs a radical overhaul if businesses which make regular levy payments are to be able to train new recruits using these funds, stressed a report from business group Logistics UK.
According to a recent Skills Review, there is great interest across industry to take on apprentices however, over the past five years, only 4% of levy paying employer accounts were able to fully utilise the funds available to them.
Michelle Gardner, deputy director of policy at Logistics UK, explained: “Our latest report found that the total estimated amount of funding possible to be recovered by businesses in transport and logistics since the levy was introduced was £250 million: however, during the same period, the sector paid in £825 million. This is unacceptable and highlights the urgent need to overhaul the Apprenticeship Levy if industry’s long-term skills shortage is to be resolved.
“Since 2021, Logistics UK has been highlighting to government the need for the current system to be replaced with a more flexible Training Levy.”
Copyright © 2020 Transport News