Following the National Audit Office’s (NAO) report published today (Wednesday 6 March) into the Government support for apprenticeships, Chris Claydon, Chief Executive of the ECITB, said:

“Apprenticeships provide a critical route into engineering construction and the ECITB is proud of our record on supporting apprentices across industry sectors. Last year, we supported 1,171 apprentices and saw a 137% increase in apprentice starts among engineering construction employers compared to 2017.

“Despite these positive developments, the findings of today’s National Audit Office report on the Government’s apprenticeship programme are a cause for concern.  The low number of apprentice starts supported by the Apprenticeship levy is worrying, and we know employers continue to struggle with utilising their levy funding and navigating the apprenticeship rules. It’s important the Government takes steps to address these challenges and enhance the evidence base on the economic benefits that apprenticeships bring to the economy.

“For the remainder of National Apprenticeship Week, we will continue to celebrate the hard work and enthusiasm of our apprentices who play such a vital role in our industry.”

ENDS