Doubts raised over meeting apprenticeships target
A survey of 1,640 managers found that almost half do not believe the target of creating three million apprenticeships by 2020 will be reached.
The Government remains committed to creating three million apprenticeships by 2020 despite fresh doubts that the target will be achieved.
A survey of 1,640 managers found that almost half do not believe the target will be reached.
A similar number of those polled by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) said the UK will need greater investment in skills after Brexit.
The CMI said many employers were missing out on the apprenticeship levy, which has been criticised by business groups for being too complicated.
Petra Wilton, of the CMI, said: “As we kick off National Apprenticeship Week, far more needs to be done to showcase successes, widen access to smaller businesses and raise awareness of how apprentices can work for all.”
The Government said it remains committed to reaching three million apprentice starts in England by 2020.
“There is more to do and this week is also a chance to hear from both businesses and the apprentices about what works well for them, and how we can make apprenticeships work better for everyone.”
Angela Rayner, Shadow Education Secretary, said: “Despite the rhetoric from Ministers, their shambolic handling of the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy has seen apprenticeship starts plummet by over a quarter.
“They are utterly failing to meet their own manifesto commitment of three million apprenticeship starts for young people.”
