Yesterday, the government has announced a number of significant reforms affecting apprenticeship funding and programme availability.
The reforms bring good news for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), as from October 2026, a £2,000 incentive is to be made for each new recruit aged 16 – 24 who enrols on an apprenticeship. The incentive is designed to support SMEs to grow their workforce, and increase opportunities for young people entering skilled careers.
Funding for Seven New Apprenticeship Skills Units
The government has also announced funding for seven new apprenticeships in priority sectors, intended to respond to key technological and industrial developments. The new apprenticeship skills units are:
- AI Leadership – Developing AI Strategy
- Electric Vehicle Charging Point Installation & Maintenance
- Electrical Fitting and Assembly
- Mechanical Fitting and Assembly
- Permanent Modular Building Assembly
- Solar PV Installation & Maintenance
- Welding
Apprenticeship Standards to Be Defunded
As well as new apprenticeship skills units being announced, the government has also announced the defunding of two apprenticeships: Level 3 Team Leader / Supervisor and Level 5 Operations / Departmental Manager.
What Does This Mean for Employers?
Kirklees College is monitoring these reforms closely and is awaiting further clarification from the government. As updates are released, we will continue to inform employers and apprentices to ensure you have the most accurate and timely guidance.
If you have questions or would like to discuss what these changes could mean for your organisation, please contact our Business Development Team by emailing employers@kirkleescollege.ac.uk.
Employer Information Events
The Business Development team will soon be hosting a series of dedicated information events to help you understand the reforms in detail, plan future workforce development, access available incentives, and take full advantage of the new skills units and funding changes.
Make sure you are following Kirklees College and the Business Development Team pages on LinkedIn to see further information and dates as soon as they are announced.