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<p>The number of people starting apprenticeships has dropped. A key reason for this
was because we have radically reformed what an apprenticeship is. The old apprenticeship
frameworks were said by employers not to be equipping apprentices to do the job. Training
was often of poor quality or was non-existent. Instead, we are asking employers to
lead the design of new apprenticeship standards, putting them in the driving seat
to give apprentices the skills that businesses need. The number of people starting
on these new standards is growing fast. Over 40% of individuals completing an apprenticeship
are now starting on new standards, compared to 2.5% this time last year.</p><p>We
are creating quality apprenticeships that will change the lives of apprentices and
the prospects of businesses and we are continuing to take steps to grow apprenticeships
starts. The Institute for Apprenticeships have introduced their Faster and Better
process to speed up and simplify standards development.</p><p>The apprenticeship levy
is an important part of the changes to raise apprenticeship quality; creating long-term,
sustainable investment in training. Only around 2% of employers pay the levy, but
they have generated almost 50% of starts so far in 2017/18. We will continue to work
closely with employers to help them take advantage of the levy and wider funding changes,
to invest in the long-term skills needs of their business.</p><p>We recognise that
employers want and need flexibility. We have already extended the amount of time employers
have to spend their levy (from 18 to 24 months), and have introduced transfers, to
make the system as effective as possible. We will avoid making any changes that could
compromise the quality of apprenticeships. We will keep listening to employers’ feedback
as the system develops further. We also meet regularly with business groups and individual
employers to understand the impact of the changes and use their feedback to inform
any further reforms.</p><p>The changes we have made to the apprenticeship system are
transforming lives. Few countries can match the energy and range of reforms currently
being pursued in England. We are helping employers to create high quality apprenticeships
at all levels that give people of all ages and backgrounds the skills they need.</p><p>We
are using the employer Diversity Champions, comprised of over 65 members including
employers, local authorities and schools, has been developed to engage and inspire
employers and communities to ensure apprenticeships are undertaken by people from
a diverse range of backgrounds, reflecting the widest spectrum of our society.</p>
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