Streamlining apprenticeships
EmployerWhy we're making changes
Over the past decade, apprenticeship starts for young people have fallen by 40%, while over half of all starts are now learners aged 25 or over. The apprenticeship offer has grown to more than 700 standards, with some no longer aligned to the skills needs the programme was designed to address.
To refocus investment on young people and critical skills gaps, we worked with employers and Skills England to streamline the range of apprenticeships available and will start to withdraw funding from some standards from September 2026.
Apprenticeships remain a vital route for businesses and these changes will help employers support more young people into work, while also meeting upskilling needs in a more targeted way.
Standards where funding being withdrawn
From September 2026, funding will be withdrawn from the following 16 standards:
- Chartered Manager (degree) – Level 6
- Cleaning Hygiene Operative – Level 2
- Coaching Professional – Level 5
- Custody and Detention Professional – Level 3
- Facilities Management Supervisor – Level 3
- Improvement Leader – Level 6
- Improvement Practitioner – Level 4
- Lead Practitioner in Adult Care – Level 4
- Learning and Skills Assessor – Level 3
- Learning and Skills Mentor – Level 4
- Operations Manager – Level 5
- Outdoor Learning Specialist – Level 5
- Professional Security Operative – Level 2
- Public Sector Compliance Investigator and Officer – Level 3
- Security First Line Manager – Level 3
- Team Leader – Level 3
What this means for existing learners
Existing training will continue as planned. During the transition period, there will be limits on what new activity can take place. We will be in contact with training providers and employers to set out what this means for them.
Private funding
Employers can continue to fund these standards privately if they wish. The standards will remain available, and National Insurance exemptions for eligible apprentices under 25 will still apply.
New routes into work and upskilling
As part of these reforms, we are introducing new ways for employers to grow and upskill their workforce. From April 2026:
- foundation apprenticeships are expanding into hospitality and retail and will include an additional payment of up to £2,000 to support the costs of taking on a young person
- we will launch apprenticeship units, short, flexible training programmes for employees aged 19+ who need to upskill or adapt to changing job roles
In addition to new foundation apprenticeships, we’re launching a new Level 2 Administrative Assistant apprenticeship in August 2026. This is aimed at 16-24 year olds, providing a new opportunity for young people and career starters.
Ongoing review
We will continue reviewing apprenticeship standards and will work with employers and Skills England to develop new foundation apprenticeships and shorter courses, directing more funding towards government priorities.
Find out more about the Growth and Skills Levy.
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