The UK government has announced skills reforms that will give young people the opportunity to develop skills in the country’s priority areas.
Young people are set to benefit from 120,000 new training opportunities as part of a radical skills revolution, giving them the opportunity to develop the skills they need most across their employees to rebuild the UK.
The measure, backed by a record £3 billion apprentice budget, opens up opportunities for young people to succeed in the country’s careers.
To support this, the government has implemented a 32% increase in immigration skills claims, providing up to 45,000 additional training locations to increase the domestic workforce and reduce the reliance on migration in priority sectors.
Starting in January 2026, funds will be refocused from Level 7 (master level) apprenticeships, whilst continuing to support apprentices aged 16 to 21, and supporting those already registered. This shift allows Levy’s funds to be reallocated towards lower-level training, which could have the greatest impact there.
In addition to the £3 billion apprentice budget, key aspects include:
The £14 million adult skills funding for construction to the local mayor for the next academic year is expected to support up to 5,000 additional adult learners. £136 million in the Skills Bootcamp across various priority sectors from 2025 to 2026 provides training to more than 40,000 learners. £100 million over four years to expand the construction skills boot camp. 10 technical excellence colleges specializing in construction skills will open in September 2025.
The government is also acknowledging the appointment of the board to new national institutions in England, skills, to work with employers and local leaders to shape training policies and delivery.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “A skilled workforce is key to moving the economy forward, and today we support the next generation by giving young people the opportunity to learn trade, earn wages, achieve and thrive.”
“When we invest in young people’s skills, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future. We create opportunities as part of our plan for change.”
Kate Nicholls, CEO of Ukhospitality, commented: “With the government’s skills announcement this week, it is positive that it will help young people get jobs and increase opportunities to invest in the skills system. However, as part of skills reform, we are urging governments to consider the hospitality industry as part of their plan.”
Source link
