UK Apprenticeship & Training News (June 2025)

Welcome to the June 2025 edition of the National Skills Agency Skills Bulletin, your go-to source for the latest updates across the UK’s apprenticeship, training, and awarding body landscape.

As the UK’s leading specialist recruiter for the Apprenticeship, Training, and Awarding sector, the National Skills Agency (NSA) partners with Training Providers, Employers, Colleges, and Awarding Organisations to help them attract top-tier talent.

???? Key Apprenticeship & Skills Headlines

???? £3 Billion Boost for Apprenticeships

In a major move, the UK Government has pledged a £3 billion investment to create 120,000 new apprenticeship opportunities in sectors including construction, healthcare, and engineering. This is partly funded through a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge, designed to encourage domestic skills growth.

????‍???? Foundation Apprenticeships Launched

A new stream of Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeships has been introduced, offering employers up to £2,000 per apprentice. These early-entry programmes provide learners with essential workplace experience and are expected to help bridge the national skills gap.

???? Level 7 Apprenticeship Funding Changes

From January 2026, government funding for Level 7 (Master’s level) apprenticeships will be restricted to:

• Learners aged 16–21

• Care leavers

• Individuals with an EHCP (under 25)

This policy shift is designed to redirect funds to entry-level training, although it has raised concerns among employers seeking to upskill senior staff.

???? Sector Developments & Compliance Updates

???? Transition to the Growth and Skills Levy

The Apprenticeship Levy is evolving into the Growth and Skills Levy, giving employers more flexibility to fund broader workplace learning and upskilling programmes — a welcomed change that supports long-term economic resilience.

???? Clampdown on Training Malpractice

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has conducted 35 unannounced visits to training providers in the past three months. As a result:

• 5 providers lost approval status

• 81 action points were issued
  This move underscores the need for compliance, quality assurance, and accountability in training delivery.

???? 2025–2026 Apprenticeship Funding Rules: Key Changes

The Department for Education has released updates to the Apprenticeship Funding Rules, effective August 1, 2025:

• ???? Introduction of minimum off-the-job training hours

• ???? Enhanced Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• ???? Removal of automatic part-time funding adjustments

• ???? The 20% off-the-job rule is being phased out

These changes aim to improve flexibility and ensure high-quality, learner-centred training delivery.

???? Thought Leadership: The Future of UK Skills Strategy

By Spencer Mehlman, Managing Director, National Skills Agency

“The UK’s skills landscape is evolving fast. While initiatives like Foundation Apprenticeships and the Growth and Skills Levy bring new opportunities, we must be mindful of the unintended consequences of restricting access to higher-level apprenticeships.

Training Providers, Employers, and Awarding Bodies must work collaboratively to ensure learning pathways are inclusive and future-ready.

At NSA, we remain committed to supporting the sector by placing high-calibre professionals across delivery, operations, compliance, and leadership — ensuring your organisation can continue to thrive in this changing environment.”

???? How NSA Can Help You

Whether you’re looking for an Apprenticeship Assessor, Curriculum Lead, Sales Director, or Quality Assurance Manager, we have the UK’s largest talent network in the sector.

???? Bespoke recruitment for Training Providers
???? Deep sector expertise
???? Access to 20,000+ active candidates
???? M&A advisory for education businesses

???? Contact us on 020 3953 1984 or visit www.nationalskillsagency.co.uk