Gov scraps higher level apprenticeships to focus on under 21s
The plans are part of the government’s initiative to create 120,000 new training opportunities as part of a ‘radical skills revolution’
The government has announced plans to scrap funding from higher level apprenticeships to focus on training at “lower” levels.
From January 2026, only those aged 16-21 will qualify for level 7 apprenticeships, which are considered equivalent to a master’s degree.
The plans are part of the government’s initiative to create 120,000 new training opportunities as part of a “radical skills revolution”.
The measures, backed by a £3bn apprenticeship budget, will open up opportunities for young people to succeed in careers the country needs, such as construction workers, engineers, healthcare staff and other trades.
To support the plans, the government is also implementing a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge, which will deliver up to 45,000 additional training places to upskill the domestic workforce.
The announcement comes following a “dramatic” fall in the number of apprenticeship starts over the last decade, and as recent ONS statistics show as many as one in eight 16-24 year olds are not in employment, education or training.
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we’re backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive.
“When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future – creating opportunities as part of our Plan for Change. But everyone has a role to play in a thriving economy, and we’re taking our responsibility seriously providing more routes into employment, it’s now the responsibility of young people to take them.”