£3 Billion Reform Backing for Apprenticeship Training

GOVERNMENT has announced reforms for apprenticeship level skills training, backed by £3 billion funding.

The measures include an additional 30,000 apprenticeship starts by 2029 and a total of 120,000 new training opportunities.

Apprenticeship Training Funding

The funding comes from applying a 32% increase to the Immigration Skills Charge, which government estimates will deliver up to 45,000 additional training places.

Funding will be taken away from Level 7 (masters-level) apprenticeships from January 2026, and moved to support for those aged 16 to 21 and existing apprentices. This will enable levy funding to be rebalanced towards training at lower levels.

There will be 13 new Level 2 construction courses for adults in non-devolved areas under the Free Courses for Jobs scheme.

In addition to the £3 billion apprenticeship budget, there will be allocated £14 million of adult skills funding for construction to be devolved to local mayors for the next academic year, expected to support up to 5,000 additional adult learners.

Other measures are:

• £136 million for Skills Bootcamps in priority sectors in 2025 to 2026, providing training to over 40,000 learners.
• £100 million over 4 years to expand Construction Skills Bootcamps.
• 10 technical excellence colleges specialising in construction skills, opening in September 2025.

The reforms aim to deliver jobs for young people and address trades skills shortages.

The numbers of apprenticeship starts has fallen over the last decade, while one in eight 16-24 year olds are not in employment, education or training (NEET).

Strong Demand

Mike Blakeley, Executive Director of Partnerships and Apprenticeships at Exeter College, said: “Employers and young people’s demand for apprenticeships is stronger than ever, both here in Exeter and across the wider region. The introduction of the Foundation Apprenticeship marks a vital step forward, offering targeted skills training and a clear pathway into employment for those under the age of 21, aspiring to become apprentices at our college.

“Employers in our network are already showing significant enthusiasm for Foundation Apprenticeships, recognising their value as an effective recruitment tool for the next generation of talent.”

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