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<p>We continue to keep the apprenticeship programme under review.</p><p>Level 6+ apprenticeships
and degree apprenticeships were introduced in 2015 to bring the benefits of employer-led
jobs with training to all levels of apprenticeship employment. We are working to move
non-levy paying employers away from the current funding system to give them access
to the same award-winning digital service as levy payers. We will provide more information
on the transition by July.</p><p>We recognise that small and medium-sized enterprises,
most of whom do not pay the apprenticeship levy, are the lifeblood of our economy
and it is essential that our reforms work for these employers. Smaller employers that
do not pay the levy already benefit from generous co-investment with 90% of training
and assessment costs for apprenticeships provided by government. Government co-investment
will increase to 95% in 2019.</p><p>The National Apprenticeship Service works through
intermediary organisations (trade associations, business representative bodies and
local partnerships) to reach smaller employers and increase engagement in apprenticeships.
Through these organisations, we can reach up to 1.5 million employers.</p><p>We will
continue to review the apprenticeship programme and to ensure we have the right incentives
and remove barriers where it is possible.</p>
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