Prime minister Rishi Sunak told Monday’s Business Connect conference (18 March) the government would fully fund apprenticeships in small businesses from 1 April by paying the full cost of training for anyone aged up to 21.
This, the government said, will reduce costs for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as for further education colleges, which usually have to source their own funding separately. The government will increase the amount big companies who pay the apprenticeship levy can pass onto smaller businesses from 25% to 50%.
Ministers will also set up an Invest in Women Taskforce to unlock private investments for women.
Sunak said the pledges would break down barriers and red tape for small businesses, help them hire more young people into apprenticeship roles and skilled jobs, and empower more women to start their own businesses.
Lo Bue-Said welcomed the announcement, stressing apprenticeships continue to play “an incredibly important role” across the UK outbound travel industry. “They are a great way to ensure we get new diverse recruits, attracting and inspiring new talent at a grassroots level,” said Lo Bue-Said.
"The government’s promise of a series of reforms that include fully funding training for young people and cutting red tape for small businesses will be really beneficial, and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact they have."
Despite the ongoing shortages and staffing issues that continue to affect the industry, Advantage has already hit its own target of recruiting 50 new apprentices by August across its agent network.
