24 March 2026
Following the government’s recent announcement regarding a major employment drive to unlock 20,0000 new apprenticeships, we wanted to share our perspective on what these changes mean for you and the wider FE and skills landscape.
Welcoming New Support for the Next Generation
At BIIAB and Skills and Education Group Awards, we welcome the government’s commitment to supporting young people, particularly those hardest to reach, into the workforce. The expansion of support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is a vital step in closing the skills gap.
The benefits of apprenticeships for your business:
- Reduced recruitment and training costs.
- Significant savings on National Insurance payments for apprentices under the age of 25.
- Fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and diverse new talent.
- The ability to train staff to meet the exact operational needs of your business.
Addressing the Defunding of Leadership Standards
While we celebrate the growth in entry-level opportunities, we must also address the recent decision to defund the Level 3 Team Leader and Level 5 Chartered Manager apprenticeship standards for certain cohorts. We are disappointed by this development. These standards provide recognised, high-quality progression routes for aspiring leaders. Removing funding for these vital roles risks creating a development ceiling at a time when the industry most needs resilient, skilled management.
Our Commitment to You
As the employment landscape shifts, our priority remains the same: ensuring that apprenticeships meet the practical needs of employers and the aspirations of learners.
A Message from our CEO
"Our mission is to champion the learner's journey at every stage. While we applaud the government’s focus on getting young people into work, we believe that sustainable economic growth requires a ladder of opportunity. We remain committed to supporting our customers through this transition, ensuring that leadership development remains accessible and aligned with the evolving needs of employers."
We will continue working closely with regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders to explore alternative opportunities that support your workforce development plans. We will continue to keep you updated as more technical guidance becomes available.
