The Chancellor’s intention to introduce a training levy on large employers to fund post 16 Apprenticeships came as a surprise to even the most seasoned commentators on vocational training, according to Dr Lynn Gambin and Terence Hogarth, from Warwick’s Institute for Employment Research.

They have responded to George Osborne’s Budget announcement on Wednesday, considering the potential effects of a levy on employer behaviour and what it may mean for Apprenticeship training, the devil of which, they say, is in the detail.

Dr Gambin and Mr Hogarth said:

"The introduction of the Apprenticeship levy may be regarded as a bold step. It is a bold step simply from the perspective that it might, in the light of what is known already about training levies, be a leap into the unknown.

"It will be interesting to observe if the levy is successful in increasing the number of Apprenticeship starts - the impact this will have upon overall government spending on Apprenticeships. And if an increase materialises, whether this will be at the expense of other forms of post 16 vocational education and training?

"The need to reduce public expenditure may be a significant factor in deciding upon a return to training levies, but this is nonetheless a bold step in the further, ongoing reform of the vocation education and training system.

"It has the potential to deliver many benefits, but there is a potential downside too. The detail of what will be eventually introduced is keenly awaited."

To read their full reaction, click here.

Note to Editors:

Issued by Lee Page, Communications Manager, Press and Policy Office, The University of Warwick. Tel: +44 (0)2476 574 255, Mob: +44 (0)7920 531 221. Email: l.page@warwick.ac.uk.

Contact:

Lynn Gambin

02476 150 860

lynn.gambin@warwick.ac.uk

Terence Hogarth

02476 524 420

t.hogarth@warwick.ac.uk

Lee Page

Communications Manager, University of Warwick

Tel: +44 (0)2476 574 255

Mob: +44 (0)7920 531 221

Email: l.page@warwick.ac.uk