Published: 01 Mar 2021 The apprenticeship levy has now failed on every measure and needs to be reformed immediately, according to the CIPD. The professional body for HR said it believes that under current rules the levy will undermine the investment in skills and economic recovery needed following the coronavirus pandemic. In its assessment of the levy’s performance since its launch four years ago, the CIPD found employer investment in training has declined, and far fewer apprenticeships have gone to young people. Total apprenticeship starts have fallen too from 494,900 in 2016/17 to just 322,500 in 2019/20. The body is now urging government for reforms in its upcoming budget on Wednesday (3 March) which would convert the current system into a more flexible training levy.