The Guardian is inviting businesses in England to share their experiences of taking on apprentices, following government plans to create thousands more apprenticeship places as part of a wider overhaul of technical and vocational education. The call-out aims to gather first-hand accounts from employers to inform coverage of how apprenticeship schemes are working in practice and where they could be improved.

Employers are asked to describe their experiences of recruiting apprentices, whether apprentices have benefited their organisation, and what challenges they have encountered, including funding, administration and training requirements. Those who have chosen not to take on apprentices, or who would like to hire more, are also asked to explain the barriers they face. Responses can be submitted via an online form and made anonymous if preferred, with contributions considered for use in future Guardian reporting.