Reforms to the Skills and England Apprenticeship procedures recently announced have long been lobbied for by the NFDA HR working group, are designed to encourage more effective use of training levy funds and better align investment with business needs. For franchised motor dealers, this presents a valuable opportunity to take a more strategic approach to workforce development with forthcoming system change to allow up to 50% of levy funds to be spent on other relevant approved training and up-skilling and not just reserved apprenticeship approved training. With increased flexibility around how levy funds can be used, dealer groups can prioritise training in key areas such as EV capability, digital retail skills, leadership development, and compliance. Other changes planned to be introduced will be reviewing the case for ‘end-point-assessments’ at the end of apprenticeship training and likely to revert back to including some mid-term assessments, similar to the previous ‘framework’ apprenticeship schemes. Now is a good time for businesses to review their levy position, assess current and future skills requirements, and work with training providers and FE’s to ensure funding is being fully utilised to support growth, retention, and long-term resilience