Summary: Level 7 Apprenticeships News
The UK government has announced significant changes to Level 7 (master’s-level) apprenticeship funding, set to take effect from January 2026.
Under the new policy, public funding for these apprenticeships will be restricted to individuals aged 16 to 21. Those aged 22 and over will no longer be eligible for government-funded Level 7 apprenticeships, except for care leavers and individuals with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), who will remain eligible up to age 25 .
The Department for Education (DfE) states that this reform aims to "rebalance" the apprenticeship budget towards training at lower levels, where it can have the greatest impact . The government plans to redirect funds to create 120,000 more training opportunities for young adults and those needing to retrain.
However, the decision has faced criticism from various sectors. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) expressed concern, noting that the average starting age for Level 7 accountancy apprentices is 22, and the policy change could disrupt the skills pipeline in the profession . Similarly, the NHS Employers group warned that the removal of funding for Level 7 apprenticeships for those over 21 could impact the development of experienced clinical staff in nursing and allied health professions.
Universities and educational institutions have also voiced disappointment. Cranfield University highlighted that Level 7 apprenticeships are crucial for filling essential skills gaps, particularly in the public sector and growth areas like advanced engineering and digital technologies . The Russell Group emphasised that these apprenticeships are effective at upskilling and retraining individuals to meet workforce needs, especially in the NHS.
In summary, while the government's intention is to focus apprenticeship funding on younger individuals and lower-level training, the policy change has raised concerns about its potential impact on workforce development, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on Level 7 apprenticeships for advanced skills training.
