Apprenticeship funding to be aimed at younger adults
The government has announced reforms to the apprenticeship and skills landscape, which it says will help create 120,000 more training opportunities with a focus on young adults from the country.
The measures, which are backed by a £3 billion apprenticeship budget, include refocusing funding away from Level 7 (masters-level) apprenticeships from January 2026, while maintaining support for those aged 16-21 and existing apprentices. The government says this will enable levy funding to be rebalanced towards training at lower levels, "where it can have the greatest impact".
There will also be an 32 per cent increase in a charge paid by employers recruiting from overseas, which will be used to create 45,000 training places.
Dani Payne, Senior Researcher at the Social Market Foundation, said: "For too long young people – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds – have been unable to access high-quality vocational pathways. The number of young people not in education, employment, or training is not just a statistic; it represents lost potential and missed opportunities.
"Ensuring that there is appropriate funding for young people wishing to pursue apprenticeships is a crucial step in ensuring that all young people, regardless of their background, can access suitable, hands-on training that aligns with industry needs. It’s an investment in their future and in the economic resilience of our nation."
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