The UK government has formally scrapped funding for postgraduate apprenticeships in England, with the promise of more training for people aged 21 and under.
From January 2026 only 16-21-year-olds will qualify for Level 7 apprenticeships under new confirmed plans. Seven new foundation apprenticeships are also being introduced.
The government promised to create 120,000 new training opportunities for young adults, and those who need to retrain.
The argument, which seems to have won the day, is that many Level 7 master-equivalent apprenticeships are being used by those already in a permanent job – like solicitors, accountants, and tax advisers!
Another problem is that while Level 6 & 7 apprenticeships boomed, there has been a contraction at Level 2.
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: “When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future.”
The changes don’t come without concerns as the public sector, and NHS in particular, use the higher apprenticeships to train staff in specialisms.
Picture: Bridge Phillipson, copyright House of Commons
