The Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education has published data on the number of achievements on the apprenticeship programme, alongside a series of policy changes.

From 3 April, small employers who do not pay the levy will no longer be limited to a maximum of 10 new apprenticeship starts – these employers will be able to recruit as many high-quality apprentices as required.

The changes have been announced at a time when ACE has been engaging with the Department for Education and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

Andrew Gladstone Heighton, ACEs Policy and Advocacy Officer said: “This will help grow the workforce our industry needs among our SME community, and links with our ACE Manifesto aim to review the apprenticeship levy to strengthen opportunities to invest in the green skills needed for the future.

“This is an important first step in this process, as SMEs are a critical to delivering Low Carbon solutions and we look forward to working with Treasury and all other stakeholders to push for this ambition”.

ACE’s 2023 UK Manifesto, launched earlier this year, called on Government to review, in collaboration with wider industry, the apprenticeship levy to strengthen opportunities to invest in the skills needed for the future. The announcement goes some way in delivering on this ask.

More broadly, the changes outlined on support and information for disabled apprentices to access the programme and commitments simplify the apprenticeship system and processes will help drive up adoption of quality ‘earn whilst you learn’ opportunities across our workforce and connected industries.

To get involved in ACE's People Advocacy Group, please contact Andrew Gladstone-Heighton.

Find out more about ACE’s policy activity.