Apprenticeships are a recognised educational pathway from the
age of 16, from Level 2 through to Level 7, with over 600 approved Apprenticeships Standards. T ey incorporate a mandatory 20% off -the-job learning, meaning that there is a real focus on both the employer and the apprentice investing in real time to allow the apprentice to learn either at college, university or online, as well as through work-related learning activities such as shadowing, attending meetings and in-house training. But the potential withdrawal of Level 7 apprenticeship funding
has left providers and employers deeply concerned. Many businesses have already recruited apprentices for these positions, off ering contracts about which there is now uncertainty. It has been widely speculated that funding for new Level 7 apprenticeships will be cut from July 31, 2025, with only those who had already started an apprenticeship being supported until its completion. T is could result in businesses having to retract off ers and leave prospective apprentices without employment or training opportunities. While acknowledging the disruption, Baroness Smith defended the
move by stating: “To govern is to choose. We have to prioritise. We’ll announce the fi nal decision as soon as possible, but this is an example of the choices that need to be made when resources are limited.” T is statement did little to reassure delegates, particularly as Level
7 apprenticeships span key sectors such as law, medicine, science, IT and engineering. Employers also rely on these apprenticeships to upskill existing employees, making the potential funding cut even more damaging.
The apprenticeship brand under threat? Adding to concerns, the government’s plans for foundation apprenticeships in sectors such as healthcare, smart meter installation, and production engineering were met with scepticism. Many in the industry fear that these new routes are a watered- down version of apprenticeships, diluting their core principles of sustained, high-quality training. Meanwhile, the government has already removed the requirement
for apprentices over the age of 19 to complete Maths and English qualifi cations if their employer consents, further fuelling concerns that standards are being eroded rather than strengthened.
Baroness Jacqui Smith
A lacklustre vision for the future Baroness Smith’s address attempted to outline Labour’s post-16 education strategy, framed around three priorities: ■ Progression available for everyone ■ Defi ned pathways with clear links to employment ■ Access to funding for all
However, these vague commitments did little to answer pressing
questions about apprenticeship funding, employer fl exibility and long-term sustainability. For a Minister for Skills to choose a remote appearance over
engaging directly with sector leaders only added to the frustration, with over 500 apprenticeship providers in the room with potential responsibility for around 250,000 apprentices in the UK. Instead of providing the clarity and vision that the sector desperately needs, Baroness Smith’s speech left many feeling she’d stayed away to avoid questions and hearing fi rst hand the implications of the decisions being made.
To fi nd out more about T e Right Track Consultancy, call 07743 828719, email helen@therighttrackconsultancy. com or visit the website:
therighttrackconsultancy.com
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