Universities fear boost to young apprentices will undermine employee retraining
20 Mar 2025
A substantial majority of UK universities polled say pending government reform of apprenticeships will be a deterrent to using higher education to upskill engineering workers.
The University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC) polled its nationwide membership on what effect proposed reforms could be expected to have on companies.
In all, 69% of respondents said they expected the planned changes would negatively impact the use of higher and degree apprenticeships for engineers.
Proposals to create ‘foundation’ apprenticeships for younger people were seen as a particular threat to HE and FE training, with 89% expressing concern.
And 81% said they feared the government’s new growth and skills levy would have the net effect of reducing training for over-25s, while 55% cited worries that it would undermine attempts to attract people from under-represented communities.
The highest Level 7 apprenticeships, which are equivalent to Master’s degree qualifications, have already been a target of reduced funding after the government announced it would limit employer’s use of public funding for these.
Respondents to the UVAC survey were almost unanimous (94%) in saying the Level 7 cuts would reduce opportunities to upskill current employees. Around three quarters claimed it would reduce staff access to senior roles and create shortfalls in filling key positions.
However, plans to provide shorter apprenticeships were seen as helpful in widening access for employers unable to commit to the previous 12 month apprenticeship minimum.
