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<p>In response to employer feedback, we are continuing to improve apprenticeships,
making them more flexible for employers and making it easier for employers to make
greater use of their levy funds.</p><p>The department is making it easier for large
employers to transfer levy funds to support new starts in small businesses, or in
a certain sector or region. On 13 September 2021, we launched a new online service
to allow levy paying employers to advertise funding pledges, enabling a much wider
range of businesses to browse and apply for available funds.</p><p>In addition, the
department is making apprenticeships more flexible so that they better meet the needs
of employers in all sectors. We are encouraging greater use of innovative apprenticeship
training models, such as the front-loading of off-the-job training so apprentices
can be productive from day one in the workplace. We are also developing accelerated
apprenticeships so that apprentices with substantial prior learning from other skills
programmes, such as traineeships and T Levels, can complete an apprenticeship more
quickly.</p><p>In August, the department launched a new £7 million flexi-job apprenticeship
fund to support greater use of apprenticeships in sectors, such as creative and construction,
where flexible working practices are commonplace. Flexi-job apprenticeships will enable
apprentices to move between different host employers in a sector or region as they
complete the training requirements for their apprenticeship.</p><p>The department
currently has no plans to review the apprenticeship levy and what funds can be spent
on.</p>
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