CIOB comments on new apprenticeship levy

As the government unveils plans to boost the number of quality apprenticeships and introduce an apprenticeship levy, the Chartered Institute of Building provides its reaction to today's announcement.
 

Eddie Tuttle, Principal Policy and Public Affairs Manager said: "The CIOB welcomes the government's commitment to increase the number of quality apprenticeships on offer. The government's target of delivering 3 million apprenticeships over the course of the next five years is ambitious - and will certainly challenge both business and industry. In order to create worthwhile employment opportunities, these apprenticeships need to be challenging, and based on the highest possible standards.

"To be successful, more needs to be done to reverse the number of apprentices that drop-out before completion of their training. We also need to see greater recognition of the employment opportunities on offer, with a genuine commitment to help the industry overcome some of the issues relating to its image.

"We welcome the introduction of a new apprenticeship levy which will give employers a greater say over decisions affecting the industry's workforce. We believe the introduction of this levy has the potential to transform the training and development opportunities on offer in construction and drive up both industry standards, and efficiency."

The CIOB welcomes the plans unveiled by the government, and will be responding to the announced consultation in due course.