Member Article

Myth Busting Apprenticeships – making the Levy work for you

The Apprenticeship Levy came into effect in April 2017 and the results so far have been pretty disastrous with confusion from Levy and non-Levy payers alike. The next meeting of METALL – the Manufacturing Engineering Technology Alliance (METALL #7) – will focus on busting the myths around the scheme.

Analysing the effects of the Levy after the first full year indicate that the system is simply not working. Total apprenticeship starts for May, June and July 2017 fell a staggering 61% compared to the same period in 2016 and the second half of 2017 saw little improvement.

Aimed at engineering, manufacturing and technology businesses of all sizes, METALL #7 aims to signpost how any sized business can make the most of the system to find (and fund) the next generation of talent for manufacturing, engineering and tech businesses in the area.

Chris Coopey, Partner and Practice Director at MHA Carpenter Box commented: “This will be the first time that we have held a METALL event at the wonderful Ricardo Centenary Innovation Centre which is adjacent to the famous Ricardo plant in Shoreham, so it should prove to be very interesting for all attendees to see how like-minded businesses operate.”

The METALL #7 event will be held between 2.30pm and 6pm on Thursday 19 April at the Ricardo state-of-the-art plant in Shoreham, followed by a site tour. Places will be limited, so please sign up quickly if you would like to attend to avoid disappointment at www.metall.org.uk/events/

METALL is supported by MHA Carpenter Box chartered accountants, solicitors asb law and sector recruitment professionals, CBSbutler. It was launched back in July 2016 with the primary aim to inform, educate and facilitate discussion and progress in the Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology sectors.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Colin Bridgman .