Government announces apprenticeship reforms

The government has announced an overhaul of the UK's apprenticeship system. 

A new growth and skills levy which will replace the existing apprenticeship levy and include new foundation apprenticeships. 

The government says these new apprenticeships will give young people a route in to careers in critical sectors, enabling them to earn a wage whilst developing vital skills. 

The new levy will also allow funding for shorter apprenticeships, giving learners and employers greater flexibility over their training than under the existing system – where apprenticeships must run for at least 12 months. 

The training eligible for funding under the new levy will develop over time, informed by Skills England's assessment of priority skills needs, the government adds. 

The Department for Education will set out further details on the scope of the offer and how it will be accessed in due course.