ACCA, CIPFA and the ICAEW have joined forces to urge the UK government to reconsider its plans to restrict funding for Level 7 apprenticeships.
In a joint letter the CEOs of all three organisations warn that cutting support for these high-level qualifications risks limiting opportunities for young people, disrupting the skills pipeline across both the public and private sectors, and undermine economic growth.
One suggestion is to restrict funding for Level 7 apprenticeships to under-25s
Here is that letter in full:
Dear Sir/Madam,
All business leaders agree that skills are critical to the growth prospects of their businesses and the wider economy.
This is why the undersigned Professional Bodies have all raised concerns about Government plans to remove funding for Level 7 apprenticeships, to instead focus money on delivering training elsewhere.
Yet these Level 7 apprenticeships are exactly the kind of qualifications that businesses and public sector organisations need, and on which the UK’s foreign direct investment depends.
We all agree that apprenticeship funding should not be for existing highly-skilled people, which is why restricting Level 7 funding to under-25s is an approach worth considering.
In solving one problem the Education Secretary is in danger of undermining her Government’s wider objective for growth, as well as hitting jobs and the aspirations of ambitious young people.
The reputation of apprenticeships as a route to great careers and the professions must be protected and enhanced.
We urge the Government to think again on Level 7 funding.
Alan Vallance, CEO, ICAEW, Maggie McGhee, Executive Director, ACCA, Owen Mapley, CEO, CIPFA.
