The government is paying out too much money on apprenticeship schemes, leading to "excessive" profits being made at expense of the public, a new report has claimed.
The government needs to outline a formal definition of an apprenticeship, to state clearly that they are aimed at developing skills, the Business, Innovation and Skills select committee.
"Without clarity, there is only confusion. Confusion as to what the government is trying to achieve, what apprentices should be focusing on and what employers should be offering," said committee chairman Adrian Bailey.
The government needs to give a formal definition of an apprenticeship, the select committee said
"An apprenticeship programme without a clear strategy and purpose will not achieve its goals. But it will be open to abuse.
"This needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency."
He said there were many areas of apprenticeships that needed careful monitoring, or even complete reform.
The committee, which held an 11-month inquiry into apprenticeships, said the Business Department should explain the impact of funding on different age groups because places were not just for young people.
The National Apprenticeship Service should be given statutory responsibility for raising awareness of apprenticeships within schools, the committee urged.
Mr Bailey added: "It is important that we continue to invest in skills. We heard evidence of excessive profits at the public's expense, of a government paying out too much money far too easily and of a lack of genuine value for money being provided by apprenticeship schemes. This is unacceptable."