More than £3 billion in apprenticeship levy funding in England remains untouched, as organisations use only 14 per cent of available funding.
The data, secured by The Open University through a Freedom of Information Act request, reveals that employers have earned back just £480 million of the total funding available since May 2017. So far, only one in five (19 per cent) levy-paying employers have made apprenticeship commitments, with many reporting some kind of frustration with the scheme.
Additional market research undertaken by the University shows that the vast majority (94 per cent) of employers are supportive of the apprenticeship levy in principle, but two in five (42 per cent) would like to see changes to make the apprenticeship levy work more effectively for their organisation.
While one in five (22 per cent) employers say they simply haven’t had time to develop an apprenticeship strategy, many have been put off by the process for accessing funding. Two-thirds (66 per cent) report finding the system confusing and as a result, over a third (36 per cent) would like more guidance, while a similar proportion (35 per cent) would like the system to be simplified. Others find that the apprenticeships available are not flexible enough to meet their needs, with 34 per cent wanting a departure from rigid apprenticeship standards.
Although the Chancellor has announced a review of the apprenticeship levy system, changes being made to address a number of teething problems are also having a profound effect on many business leaders’ appetites to make use of levy funding. Three in five (60 per cent) employers expressed concern that the government has changed funding bands, while more than half (57 per cent) say that inconsistency leaves them unable to make long-term strategic decisions.
While two in five (38 per cent) employers have written off their contributions to the apprenticeship levy, those who have embraced the scheme are reaping the rewards. Of those currently working with apprentices, more than a quarter (27 per cent) say it has been good for their organisations, while one in five (20 per cent) report that it has already delivered significant benefits.
Currently, two-thirds (6 6per cent) of organisations are lacking management skills, while half (50 per cent) are in need of digital skills – both crucial in the face of the current political, economical and technological environment. Those who are using apprenticeship levy funding are starting to plug these gaps across all levels of their organisation.
A quarter (25 per cent) of those not currently using levy funding admit that they are missing out on an opportunity to develop the skills they need, but if they do want to take advantage of the funding available, they are quickly running out of time.
From April 2019, unused funding will start to be absorbed by the UK Government at a rate of nearly £120 million a month. While the Department for Education will use the absorbed funding to invest in skills and training, this is the last opportunity for employers to use it to fill their own skills gaps and future-proof their businesses.
David Willett, Corporate Director at The Open University, said,
Employers are missing out on a golden opportunity to close skills gaps and ensure that their organisations are equipped with the ability, agility and knowledge required to handle upcoming challenges.
The lack of consistency from tweaks to the levy system and funding bands is having a profound effect on organisations, leaving many unable to make long-term strategic decisions about training and skills. Others simply need more support to help them develop a strategy or access the funding, and that’s where we can help. With so many employers experiencing skills shortages, it’s crucial that they make use of the levy and invest in training to ensure that their organisations remain strong and competitive in future.
Aphrodite is a creative writer and editor specialising in publishing and communications. She is passionate about undertaking projects in diverse sectors. She has written and edited copy for media as varied as social enterprise, art, fashion and education. She is at her most happy owning a project from its very conception, focusing on the client and project research in the first instance, and working closely with CEOs and Directors throughout the consultation process. Much of her work has focused on rebranding; messaging and tone of voice is one of her expertise, as is a distinctively unique writing style in my most of her creative projects. Her work is always driven by the versatility of language to galvanise image and to change perception, as it is by inspiring and being inspired by the wondrous diversity of people with whom paths she crosses cross!
Aphrodite has had a variety of high profile industry clients as a freelancer, and previously worked for a number of years as an Editor and Journalist for Prospects.ac.uk.
Aphrodite is also a professional painter.