Apprenticeships need a boost in the capital

Apprenticeship numbers in London and across the UK have fallen since the introduction of the apprenticeship levy – particularly for younger people.

An investigation by the London Assembly Economy Committee heard that one of the possible reasons for the drop in numbers is because the apprenticeship system is complex and creates challenges for small and medium sized businesses.

While the apprenticeship levy, paid by employers to fund apprenticeship training, has led to a growth in apprenticeship programmes offered by large employers, smaller employers have fallen behind.

The Committee has today published its report with the aim of boosting the take-up and quality of apprenticeships in London. It urges the Mayor to provide support to small and medium sized employers looking to take on apprentices.

It also calls on the Government to introduce incentives for employers into the levy system to encourage them to hire more apprentices who are under the age of 19 and more disabled apprentices.



Neil Garratt AM, Chairman of the Economy Committee, said:



“Apprenticeships are a valuable tool in providing pathways into work and an excellent opportunity for the existing workforce to gain new skills.



“But our investigation heard that there remains a lack of awareness of apprenticeships amongst both employers and young people.



“This means missed opportunities for employers to develop their workforce and missed opportunities for people struggling to find a career path that is right for them.



“Apprenticeships make a real difference. That is why we want smaller businesses to feel supported as they navigate the system and for incentives to be in place to target apprenticeships at younger and disabled Londoners.”