Important article in Motor Transport regarding the new reduced amount allocated to fund two new LGV Driver Apprenticeships by the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education (IFATE). Skills for Logistics has spoken to many training providers about this, all of whom believe it would not be in the interests of employers or apprentices to offer a sub-standard programme at a cut price. Thoughts on this very welcome and the road haulage Trailblazer Group (TBG) is seeking support for a procedural review.
Please read the article from Motor Transport here: Read more
We are delighted at the announcement from the DVSA yesterday that LGV and PCV Vocational Training can resume from next month, albeit on a limited basis for the time being. Having worked closely with the DVSA during the pandemic, we are delighted to have been able to support and represent the industry’s concerns during this difficult few months.
Skills for Logistics continues to support LGV training businesses to ensure DVSA grow examiner capacity to 100,000 to meet the backlog and new increasing future demand.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to solve the 60,000 driver shortage, providing a worthwhile career to those looking to join our vibrant and innovative sector!!
We’ve been working closely with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE), and our industry external quality assurance provider, NSAR,to agree an alternative means of delivering EPA’s in a safe manner during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Skills for Logistics is now pleased to announce that with immediate effect we are in a position to commence remote delivery of EPA for LGV Driver apprenticeships. Our assessment methodology, agreed with IFATE and NSAR, is based on the following plan:
Knowledge test – via our own bespoke online portal
Practical driving observation – via witness testimonies, supported by Professional Discussion
David Coombes: Managing Director of Skills for Logistics
If you weren’t already aware, on Monday 29th
October, the Treasury announced that the 10% fee small businesses must pay when
taking on apprentices will be halved. The news was received positively by the
logistics sector. I spoke to our Managing Director, David Coombes, to get his
thoughts on the news.
What impact do you think this reduction in fees will have on apprenticeships?
Firstly, we are delighted that the chancellor has
chosen to reduce the cost of apprenticeship training for non-levy payers, with
the government now committing to paying a contribution of 95% of the apprenticeship
fee and the employer paying the remaining 5%. This is a major and positive
shift which the industry has been pushing hard for since the levy has been
introduced. This should enable training providers to work closely with smaller
businesses to increase the number of apprenticeships on offer.
What impact will this have for the logistics sector?
Well, we have seen less
than 10% of logistics businesses take on apprentices since the levy was
introduced, it’s certainly going to encourage non-levy payers to start thinking
about the real value they can gain from apprenticeships. I’m sure there will be
a big change in encouraging smaller business to take on apprentices now.
What are your thoughts
on the Treasury backtracking on the start date for the apprenticeship fee cut
which was set to be April 2019?
I don’t understand why this has happened, the change
should really be made at the start of a new financial year. April 2019 is the
best possible time and with that being the mark of two years into the levy, it
sends the right message. By talking about the reduction and subsequently not
giving an actual date of when this will take effect, it sends mixed messages.
Spreading uncertainty in this way is bad for development.
Do you think a
consequence of a rumoured later start would incentivise employers to delay
their apprenticeship recruitment?
By April 2019 it will be two years since the levy
started. The incentive is very much to use up the pot before the end of the two
years. Providing it isn’t later than the new financial year, I’m hopeful it
won’t have a major impact.
As you’ve mentioned, by
April 2019, it’ll be two years since the levy came into effect, do you think
that this is too soon to make changes whilst it’s still very much in its infancy?
That’s been a large part of the argument to not make
the change, but actually I think two years is within a good time frame. We
can’t wait any longer for this change, otherwise, all the government’s targets
will be missed, and the opportunity will pass. We’ve seen the slow take-up –
there needs to be other incentives to improve apprenticeship starts.
What else do you think
the government could be doing to incentivise people to be taking up the
apprenticeships?
The apprenticeship levy is a blunt tool. Within the
pot, there should be a budget for attraction or the option to spend on advice
and support as there is still a lot of confusion around what the best
apprenticeships are for different businesses.
Any other thoughts?
I think in the current economic climate, any
additional cost to businesses is tough, but the value an organisation receives
from well-trained employees can be a life-saver. It reduces staff turnover and
increases productivity, meaning less waste and an improvement in job
efficiency.
It was great to hear David’s thoughts, but what about
you? We’d love to hear your views on this. What does this reduction in fee mean
for you? Whatever your thoughts, we’d love to have a chat – Email
or Tweet us now!
