The apprenticeships levy is part of the government’s plan to boost productivity among employers, encouraging them to invest more in training and development.
Of the 275 Employers surveyed, 39% are in favour of the levy. 31% are opposed to the plan, whilst a further 30% are undecided. Many businesses (30%) believe that the introduction of the levy would make them develop and apprenticeship programme and would increase the overall amount of places (30%).
The CIPD found that 31% of respondents think that the levy would result in less investment in workforce training and development. 22% believe the levy would encourage them to accredit apprenticeship schemes, whilst 20% of employers think the levy will improve overall quality of apprenticeship schemes.
The survey also found:
- 47% of large employers believe they should use apprenticeships levy to invest in apprenticeship schemes
- 10% of employers should only use apprenticeships levy for level 3 qualifications and above.
Ben Willmott, head of public policy at the CIPD, said:
“The introduction of the levy must be used as an opportunity to focus on raising quality levels so that apprenticeships are regarded as a viable alternative to university and not seen as a poor second choice for academic under-achievers.
“This is why we need a broader review of higher and further education funding to ensure that the further and vocational education is not treated as a poor relation in funding terms. More universities and other education providers need to build links with their local employers and help create more apprenticeship schemes.”
