When Ian Knight heard about the government’s plan to boost apprenticeships, he couldn’t believe his luck. The 43-year-old was desperate to inject some new blood into Walsall-based PP Control & Automation, where he oversees staff training.

The company makes hi-tech control systems for factories, and exports its wares worldwide. Knight said it had no problem paying the apprenticeship levy — which equates to 0.5% of its £3m-plus annual payroll. It seemed a small price to pay if the new recruits helped the company achieve its goal of lifting sales to £40m by 2021.

Things have not gone to plan, though. The new apprentices Knight has hired spend more time in the classroom than learning on the job. “It’s just a college course hiding as an