The UK government has announced plans to “refocus” funding away from Level 7 (masters level) apprenticeships from January 2026.
From next year, only existing apprentices or those aged 16-21 will be eligible for levy-funded training.
According to the government, the new measures will allow levy funding to be “rebalanced towards training at lower levels, where it can have the greatest impact”.
As part of wider changes to create more routes into skilled work, the government has pledged to create 120,000 new training opportunities, supported by a £3 billion apprenticeship budget.
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.”
To support the changes, the government is implementing a 32% increase in the immigration skills charge.
This aims to deliver up to 45,000 additional training places to upskill the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on migration in priority sectors, as announced in the recent immigration white paper.
The government has also launched 13 new Level 2 construction courses for adults in non-devolved areas under the Free Courses for Jobs scheme.
