Managers are backing the Apprenticeship programme to overturn employer underinvestment in skills development, according to a survey of 1,640 managers carried out by CMI in February 2018.
‘Employers should look upon the Apprenticeship Levy as a “Business Performance Improvement Fund” which can help upskill existing staff as well as well as for bringing new talent into the organisation. We know from first-hand experience, that many employers are unaware they can use the “Levy” to train leaders and managers at all levels. We also know that many individuals are unaware the Levy exists or that they can used it to improve their skills and as a result advance their careers. The research undertaken by the CMI highlights the widespread support amongst manager’s for apprenticeships, and therefore UCQ is here to help.’ Stuart Cameron, Managing Director, Commercial Operations, University Centre Quayside.
Some facts;
- 63% of managers support the Apprenticeship Levy to increase employer investment in professional skills
- 2 in 5 managers have concerns about current under investment in their organisation when it comes to upskilling managers
- 34% of employers from large organisations, eligable to pay the Levy, have consequently delayed apprenticeship starts as they adjust to the new system
- 9 out of 10 managers support Levy spending on apprenticeships for all ages
- Nearly half (47%) of all managers expressed doubt that the government will hit its 015 target of creating three million apprentices by 2020
- 48% of managers expect to see a rise in the number of new apprentices in the next 12 months
- 60% of managers in the South East are predicting a rise in the number of new apprentices compared to just 40% of managers in the North West
- Over half (51%) of managers say that the country will need greater investment in skills as a result of Brexit
- 81% of managers say that access to the digital apprenticeships service should extend to small businesses
- 4 in 5 employers want more freedom to spend the Levy on small businesses in their supply chain
- Finally, the top five benefits of the new management apprenticeships, according to employers, are:
- Expanding the talent pool (85%)
- Creating a learning culture (84%)
- Engagement and motivation (75%)
- Increasing productivity (73%)
- Employee retention (72%)