Apprenticeships

Levels

Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of industries and at different levels, from intermediate (Level 2) and advanced (Level 3) to higher (Levels 4 and 5) and undergraduate/master's degree-level (Levels 6 and 7). Each apprenticeship follows an employer-designed standard, ensuring apprentices develop the skills needed for their role. Entry requirements vary depending on the level and training. Students aged 16-18 who do not already have GCSEs in Maths and English may need to work towards these, or an equivalent functional skills qualification as part of their apprenticeship. 

Providers delivering apprenticeship training for students with learning difficulties or disabilities can offer the flexibility to achieve functional skills qualifications at a lower level. This flexibility only applies if the apprentice's learning difficulty or disability is a significant barrier to them achieving English and Maths requirements. 

In February 2025, the government announced that the requirement to take English and Maths qualifications would be optional for apprentices aged 19 or over.

Accelerated apprenticeships

In some cases, it may be possible to work towards an accelerated apprenticeship, which is shorter than the standard timeframe by at least three months. Accelerated apprenticeships are designed for those with prior experience or relevant qualifications, allowing for faster progression through the apprenticeship programme. They may also be suitable for employees looking to upskill or change their career.

Latest news on apprenticeships

Some of the latest information on apprenticeships that may be of specific interest to career development professionals includes:

• The government has replaced the current Apprenticeship Levy with a 'Growth and Skills' Levy: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-overhauls-apprenticeships-to-support-opportunity which:

          - will provide more flexibility to employers as to how to spend their levy

          - will allow for shorter apprenticeships

          - will see the introduction of Foundation Apprenticeships 

          - will focus on critical sectors to address skills gaps

          - may see the removal of funding for level 7 apprenticeships 

• UCAS has announced plans to attach tariff points to apprenticeships, for the 2026 cycle: https://www.ucas.com/providers/overview-ucas-tariff-points-apprenticeships
• From January 2025, employers have more flexibility over Maths and English requirements for apprenticeships. They can decide whether learners aged 19 or over at the start of their apprenticeship need to complete a level 2 Maths and English qualification; however they will still be assessed on core skills needed to demonstrate competency relevant to their occupation. This flexibility does not apply to learners aged 16-18, who will still be required to achieve English and Maths qualifications.
• From 1st August 2025, the Department for Education will no longer fund the Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge (ASK) programme for schools and colleges. Schools and colleges are advised to contact their local Careers Hub and the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network for support.
• On 27th May 2025, the government announced that their funding for Level 7 apprenticeships would be removed for people aged 22 and over, meaning that employers can still access funding for schools leavers aged 16-21. Individuals who are care leavers or who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can be funded up to age 25. This new rule will be implemented from January 2026 and anyone who is currently studying a Level 7 apprenticeship will be funded through to completion.
• Skills England was formally launched on 2nd June 2025. This new body will bring together key partners to meet the skills needs of the next decade and will take on most of the functions previously carried out by IfATE (The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education). On the same date of the launch, Skills England released a report on Skills for Growth and Opportunity, covering an analysis of sectors in the growth and skills offer, and skills needs assessments for 10 priority sectors.
• The government has invested £100m in new 'Technical Excellence Colleges,' to train 400 000 construction workers by 2029. This investment will support young people to break into the sector through an apprenticeship at one of 10 Further Education Colleges. August 2025
• The NHS has created a 'mitigation fund' to continue Level 7 apprenticeships in health and care professions for three years, following the government's withdrawal of funding for the master's level programmes from January 2026. The five health professions that will continue to be funded until 2028-9 are advanced clinical practitioner, specialist community public health nurse, district nurse, clinical associate in psychology and population health intelligence specialists. August 2025
• From August 2025, shortened apprenticeships are permitted in certain sectors, with the minimum duration lowered from 12 months to 8 months. The three 'trailblazer' shortened apprenticeships will be in green energy, healthcare and film/TV production.
• Foundation Apprenticeships are available from August 2025, primarily aimed at young people aged 16-21 (and up to age 24 for care leavers and those with an EHCP) who are not yet ready for a full apprenticeship. They are a level 2 programme combining paid employment with structured training. Lasting 8 months, Foundation Apprenticeships focus on broad occupational skills, not just technical knowledge - including teamwork, communication and workplace behaviours. They are available in priority areas including construction, engineering, manufacturing, health and and adult social care and digital. A full list of Foundation Apprenticeship areas can be found here
• The latest figures (March 2026) show that 109 young people started a Foundation Apprenticeship between their launch in August 2025 and January 2026.
• An apprenticeship incentive of £2k is available for each new employee aged 16-24 taken on by a non-levy paying SME. This is to assist the government target of creating 50 000 more apprenticeships for young people.
• An incentive of £2k is available for any employer who recruits a Foundation Apprentice. This is in addition to the existing incentive of £1k for apprentices aged 16-18, or 19-24 with an EHCP or care-leaver status.
• From March 2026, employers are eligible for an incentive of £3k for each young person they recruit aged 18-24 who has been on Universal Credit and looking for work for 6 months. This is expected to support 60 000 young people over 3 years.
• From April 2026, new Foundation Apprenticeships will be launched in Retail and Hospitality. 
• In April 2026, new 'apprenticeships units' were launched. offering the opportunity to study shorter, faster and more flexible training. Aimed at adults aged 19+, apprenticeship units are designed to upskill the workforce in certain growth areas (the first units focus on engineering, construction and AI). Units are modular, standalone elements of a full apprenticeship and can last from 1-16 weeks. They will be funded through the Growth & Skills Levy.
• A new Level 2 Administrative assistant apprenticeship was introduced for delivery from 1 August 2026, exclusively for 16-24 year olds.