A new inquiry is set to look at how the Government proposes to achieve its target of three million apprentices by 2020.

The Committee on Education, Skills and the Economy, formed by members of the Education Committee and the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee, will also look into the implementation of the apprenticeship levy, the proposed Institute for Apprenticeships, routes to achieving higher level apprenticeship qualifications and the potential for apprenticeships to affect the UK skills gap.

The terms of reference for the inquiry also cover:

• The take-up of apprenticeships amongst 16–19 year olds and steps that can be taken to make more young people aware of available opportunities
• The process for applying for apprenticeships
• The quality of, and minimum standards for, apprenticeships, and how standards can be enforced
• Lessons from other countries’ approaches to apprenticeships.