There is little to dispute in the contention that apprenticeships are great ways for people of all ages to earn while they learn and for employers to develop a diverse workforce. This matters to us in local government as employers and as promoters of economic prosperity in our places.

The introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy two years ago helped focus many employers on the need to invest in quality training pathways and create opportunities to build a successful career. But the Levy has proved too prescriptive and inflexible for many employers and, given the drop in the numbers of apprenticeships being started, it is clearly in need of some reform.