The apprenticeship levy is failing those who need it most

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. It is through apprenticeships that young people in some of the UK’s most deprived communities can learn the invaluable skills they need to kick-start rewarding careers. First, the levy needs to offer greater flexibility, allowing companies to use some levy funding to support high-quality, pre-employment programmes focused on improving literacy, numeracy and essential work-related skills. These sorts of courses both allow employers to meet rapidly changing skills needs and support those who need greater flexibility, such as people with young families or other caring responsibilities. And, finally, it should allow some levy funds to be contributed towards the wider costs of providing an apprenticeship beyond training; for example, the additional store working hours while an apprentice is at college.