Some of the UK\u2019s leading business groups have raised concerns about the Government\u2019s aim to create three million apprenticeships in the space of five years.<\/p>\n
Ministers propose to place a new levy on employers to help them reach their ambitious target.<\/p>\n
But the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and manufacturers\u2019 body the EEF have warned against pursuing the proposals if they run the risk of damaging the quality of training available.<\/p>\n
The levy was unveiled by George Osborne in his July Budget, with the Chancellor making the case that creating more apprentices will help tackle the UK\u2019s crippling skills shortage.<\/p>\n
However, there are widespread concerns that some employers may attempt to rebrand existing low-skill positions as apprenticeships to meet training targets.<\/p>\n
\u201cCompanies have serious concerns as to how the scheme will work in practice,\u201d said Tim Thomas, EEF\u2019s\u00a0 head of employment and skills policy.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf this proposal is to avoid being a pile-them-high, sell-them-cheap approach and actually increase the quality of apprenticeships as well as hitting the government\u2019s three million target, then the Government must sit down with employers as a matter of urgency to design a workable scheme.\u201d<\/p>\n
Katja Hall, the CBI\u2019s deputy director-general, also voiced reservations about the approach being taken.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt a time when firms are already investing over \u00a340bn a year on formal training and increasing apprenticeships, there is a high risk it could undermine the system not strengthen it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA new levy won\u2019t be welcomed by business, so we want to see a new politically independent levy board setting the rate based on clear evidence with the funds ring-fenced.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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