Operators must prove they want extra apprenticeship funding

Skills for Logistics (SfL) has called on operators to make the case to government for a funding boost for apprentices to ensure a pipeline of talent for the future.

Following a meeting last week between Matthew Hancock MP, minister for skills at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and SfL the door remains open but change hinges on operators demonstrating an appetite for it.

Apprenticeships presently only attract full funding between the ages of 16 to 18. After this, the government meets half the cost.

However, given young drivers can only attain their provisional LGV licences at 18 and up, this presents a financial barrier for employers in road transport keen to attract new blood and head off the skills crisis.

BIS said it will consider 100% funding for 19- to 20-year-old apprentices but only if operators show they want this. Complete the apprenticeship survey to let your views on the subject be known.