Here we make our response to the recent EDSK report titled “Runaway Training: A report on the Apprenticeship Levy”.

It is our opinion that some of EDSK’s recommendations are simply bizarre. Why, for example, does the EDSK recommend that ‘Apprenticeship’ should only be used for level 3 (equivalent to A level) roles? If Apprenticeship is about productivity and skills gaps and shortages, this makes absolutely no economic sense.

In the public sector, where big Apprenticeship levy payers dominate, many of the key occupations employers need to focus on are at higher levels: police constables, associate and registered nurses and social workers.

It is clear that some still hold the old fashioned notion that Apprenticeships are just about level 3 occupational roles…it makes this report just an ill judged and ill informed report.