As a former apprentice, David Linden highlighted the importance of apprenticeships in ensuring that young people are prepared for practical roles rather than academic ones. He noted that Scotland has taken a more flexible approach to using the levy funds compared to England, resulting in higher numbers of apprentices being trained. However, he mentioned that Scottish businesses still face challenges due to the rigidity of UK Government's definitions of apprenticeships and lose significant sums to the Treasury when unable to spend their entire levy pot. Asked the Minister to write to him about why auto-enrolment does not apply at age 16, suggesting it could help with retention of young people in apprenticeships.

Jim Shannon highlighted the importance of apprenticeships in providing opportunities for young people who do not wish to go to university. He cited an example from his constituency where a mechanic started as an apprentice at £3.67 per hour and progressed to becoming a fully qualified technician. Shannon stressed that apprenticeships are crucial for various sectors, including agriculture, noting the importance of apprenticeship funding in Northern Ireland. He called on the Minister to encourage progress in providing opportunities within rural communities.

Mr Aldous highlighted the importance of a functioning labour market for economic growth and noted the apprenticeship levy's aim to provide long-term funding. He pointed out a decline in apprenticeships, with only 60,000 young people starting each year and the loss of 160,000 engineering and manufacturing training places. He suggested reforms such as extending the expiration period for funds, providing more flexible minimum duration requirements, and increasing the apprenticeship wage to improve retention.

Malhotra highlighted the importance of apprenticeships for social justice, career progression, and business growth. She noted a decline in intermediate apprenticeship starts by 69% since the levy's introduction and criticised businesses surrendering £3 billion to the Treasury due to unused funds. Malhotra also emphasised that only 4% of employers spend their full levy funding, with SMEs being particularly affected, showing a 35% decrease in apprentice starts. Responded to the discussion on flexibility, citing a quote from the CEO of the Learning and Work Institute regarding the need for nuanced analysis of policies.

Commends the apprenticeship levy for providing a pathway to high-skilled jobs, but notes lack of flexibility and surplus funds going back to Treasury. Highlights issues like drop-out rates, need for intermediate apprenticeships, and agriculture funding challenges.

Last year, more than £3 billion of the levy was not spent. Many businesses in his community find it difficult to access apprenticeship opportunities despite wanting to take on apprentices. He suggested redirecting some of the underspend to encourage small businesses to participate. We have a succession issue with farmers, less than 60% of food consumed in the UK is grown domestically, and need to attract young people into farming through enhanced apprenticeships.