Recently released statistics indicate that the apprenticeship levy introduced by the government in April 2017 needs a radical rethink.
Set up with an aim of transforming training and creating 3 million apprenticeships by 2020, there has been a marked fall in the numbers of those taking up apprenticeships. Between May and July 2017, just 48,000 people started apprenticeships compared to 117,800 in the same months of 2016. Although numbers crept up throughout the course of 2017, the last quarter of the year showed a 26 per cent fall in the number taking up apprenticeship posts.
Critics argue the 3 million target will not be reached by 2020 unless further changes are made. It is, however, early days and there is still time for the numbers to increase as employers get to grips with finding the right training provider and getting the best out of apprenticeships. With attracting and securing new talent topping the wish list of many organisations and businesses, and the fear of a post-Brexit skills gaps, re-examining your approach to apprenticeships could pay dividends in years to come.
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