Hundreds of millions of pounds are being spent on “fake apprenticeships” that are just relabelled degrees or training courses, according to a report by a thinktank which says employers are abusing the current system. Since 2017 large companies have been forced to set aside the equivalent of 0.5% of their payroll to fund apprenticeships. But according to Tom Richmond, the author of a report for the EDSK thinktank, many are instead using the funds for existing professional development courses. “Despite being set up with the best intentions, the apprenticeship levy is now descending into farce,” Richmond said. “In other words, the bulk of the levy is being spent on existing adult workers instead of supporting young people into the workplace,” the report said.

Source: The Guardian January 03, 2020 00:02 UTC