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The government has announced plans to "sweep away" red tape currently deterring employers from taking on apprentices.
Skills minister John Hayes announced the plans, formed in response to a review conducted by Employer Reference Group, the Confederation of Business Industry (CBI) and several large companies.
Hayes said those firms that contract directly with the government to train apprentices will now benefit from simplified payment, reporting and assessment requirements.
Measures announced include a pilot for over 20 large employers who have volunteered to trial "payment by outcomes" which will eliminate a number of data returns and audit requirements.
And an online plain-English toolkit will be provided for employers, clearly setting out the processes that must be undertaken by employers for apprenticeships.
Announcing the plans at a summit hosted by the CBI today, the skills minister said: "I'm determined that more employers and learners than ever should have the opportunity to benefit from our unprecedented investment in apprenticeships. Where red tape and bureaucracy deters employers from taking on apprentices, we'll sweep it away
"That will give more firms access to the skills they need to thrive, creating new jobs and new growth, and it will give many more individuals better prospects and the chance to gain a real stake in society."
Business secretary Vince Cable said: "Apprenticeships are proving an increasingly effective training route for young people and companies. They are a proven way to fill skills gaps in our economy. That's why we are boosting the number of apprenticeships and putting them at the heart of our skills for growth strategy."
Stephen Robertson, director general of the British Retail Consortium, said: "The current apprenticeship system is too difficult to navigate and a major administrative burden. A requirement to send hard copy documents by post cannot be justified in this internet age, for example.
"This package of measures is a very welcome effort to put that right. Simplifying the system should make the process easier for businesses and ensure more apprenticeship opportunities are created.
"The priority now must be to put these plans into action swiftly."
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