The Government has a target of three million apprenticeship starts in England by 2020, and is introducing an Apprenticeship Levy on the payroll of large employers to fund this increase and to encourage greater employer engagement with apprenticeships. Concerns have been raised about whether there should be a delay to get the details right; adequacy of funding rates for 16-18 year olds and deprived areas; and the proposed funding caps, which allow lower prices to be negotiated. The commitment to more apprenticeships and the Levy are welcome. We want key safeguards to ensure high quality, accessible apprenticeships: (1) Getting it right. The Government should stick to its ambitious timetable for implementation as far as possible to provide certainty, but more can be done to ensure reforms are successful; (2) Focus on quality. Prices should be fixed for each Standard. Providers should compete on quality alone, avoiding a race to the bottom; (3) Better for young people. A Levels or vocational courses are fully funded for 16-18 year olds. Young people choosing apprenticeships should not be disadvantaged; (4) Apprentice Premium. There should be a new Apprentice Premium, higher than the currently planned £1,000 for 16-18 year olds, to ensure high quality support. This should be extended to priority sectors in line with industrial strategy, disadvantaged areas and topped up by devolved areas; and (5) Sharing the evidence. The Government should share the basis for its proposed funding rates. The Apprenticeship Levy is a real opportunity. Getting the details right is essential to ensuring it helps build 3 million careers.