Page 29 - Gi flipbook April 2018

everything they pay into the levy. November, following a drop in the will follow. For those that do, our role
This is a sea change in the world of number of new apprentices. It is set to in the training sector is not only to
apprenticeships, and businesses need look at industry’s views on the levy, deliver apprenticeship training but
help to navigate through it. which was blamed by some also to advise clients on how to select
There are real challenges. In some commentators for the fall. Many of and train coaches and mentors for
quarters, the levy is widely viewed as those views are likely to be critical their apprentices from among their
a tax, in others managers are simply with some businesses complaining existing workforce. For many
holding fire on making decisions about red tape. We understand the businesses, that will be a crucial
about setting up apprenticeships difficulties that businesses face, and it limiting factor in how many
given continued uncertainty. Some is good that they are having the apprenticeships they can deliver.
firms say it would be a mistake to opportunity to relay their frustrations At Develop Training, we have been
react to the deadline by rushing to to government. campaigning for action to tackle the
set up apprenticeships that could In the meantime, firms should look skills gap for years. The levy is
cost more to operate than would be at their business needs – both in potentially an important response by
paid for by the levy. Others highlight recruitment and training of existing the government to what is a fairly
the risk that recruitment standards personnel – and set up calamitous situation. If, by making the
could be compromised by a race to apprenticeships to meet those needs. scheme more flexible, the government
hire new apprentices. Despite the challenges, as our can win hearts and minds in
The government’s Education Select Industry Skills Forum showed, boardrooms and training departments,
Committee launched an inquiry into businesses in our sector are making it will be on the right road. Industry
apprenticeships and training in good use of the programme, and more needs to respond too if we are to
achieve what we all need – more
people coming into the industry and
The levy requires all employers with an being properly trained to keep the
country’s vital infrastructure running. ■
annual wage bill of £3 million or more to ■ Develop Training Limited (DTL)
pay 0.5 per cent of their staff costs into a is the UK’s leading accredited
fund, which is topped up by government, provider of compliance, technical,
and safety training, supporting
and from which firms can withdraw thousands of firms with their
money to pay for apprenticeships training needs. For more information
visit www.developtraining.co.uk

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