Ahead of the Spring budget next week, the Institution of Engineering and Technology has called for greater flexibility in the apprenticeship levy to allow employers to develop digital skills and unlock the UK's potential in new technology.

Apprenticeships are riding a tide of positive public opinion as more people look for opportunities to gain work experience while they learn or reskill themselves to better meet the demands of today’s jobs market.

Our country faces a comprehensive digital skills challenge. From simple basic skills of being able to use devices and software, to the building of web infrastructure, coding, digital design and the reskilling of those trained for their industries but ready for careers in tech, digital skills are crucial to the success of our economy and to the government achieving its goals of levelling up our country.