The Government today pledged to “sweep away” red tape deterring employers from taking on apprentices.

Ministers announced a package of measures they said will make it easier for firms with Government contracts to train apprentices.

Payments will be simplified, contracts streamlined and a number of data returns and audit requirements will be eliminated.

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.

“But for far too long too many businesses have been put off by overly-complex procedures and unnecessary layers of paperwork. We’ve worked with business to cut bureaucracy and ensure the benefits for employers, learners and the economy are maximised.”

Skills minister John Hayes 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.”

Susan Anderson, the CBI’s director for education and skills policy, said: “Cutting bureaucracy will support even more businesses to become involved and these recommendations set out the right path for reform.

“They recognise that employers are primarily concerned with the day-to-day running of their businesses, and that they are committed to offering high quality training as their reputation and business success depends on this.”

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.”

Meanwhile West Midlands luxury car maker Jaguar Land Rover has underlined industry’s need for talented recruits by welcoming its largest single intake of graduates in the company’s history.

The 336 new recruits are beginning a two year programme during a challenging period for the automotive industry, said JLR HR director Des Thurlby.

“Today marks an important day both for the graduates who are embarking on their careers with us and for our business as we enter a phase of intense investment in our future – investment in products, people and infrastructure,” he said.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for Jaguar Land Rover and these new recruits have a critical role to play in shaping our business and delivering our future success.”