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<p>The apprenticeship levy is an important part of the changes to raise apprenticeship
quality, creating long-term and sustainable investment in training. Our reforms have
put employers in the driving seat, giving them the opportunity to develop apprenticeship
standards across all levels to give apprentices the skills that businesses really
need.</p><p>While starts at level 2 have declined, we have seen a significant upward
shift toward apprenticeship starts at higher levels. For example, we have seen starts
at higher levels (4 and above) increase by 68% compared to the same point last year.
In addition, the level 3 share of the apprenticeships programme shifted upwards, which
shows a healthier balance across all levels, helping people progress to highly-skilled
occupations.</p><p>We will continue to work closely with employers to help them take
advantage of our apprenticeship reforms and to invest in the long-term skills needs
of their business. We meet regularly with business groups and individual employers
to understand the impact of our changes and we use this feedback to help improve the
system. For example, in April this year we increased the amount that levy-paying employers
can transfer to other employers from 10% to 25%.</p><p>Our apprenticeships campaign,
Fire It Up, is also working to increase the number of high-quality apprenticeships,
by changing the way people think about apprenticeships, demonstrating that they are
an aspirational choice.</p>
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