The UK apprenticeship system is undergoing one of its most significant changes in recent years, with new reforms announced this week that will take effect from April 2026.

We’re here to help employers, apprentices and partners understand what these changes mean and how to make the most of them.

What’s changing?

Incentives to train young people

The government is encouraging employers to support 16-25 year olds in apprenticeships, particularly individuals starting their careers or not currently in employment or education.

This means more incentives for employers to recruit younger apprentices and more opportunities for school leavers to enter the workforce.

Introduction of flexible “apprenticeship units”

From April 2026, shorter, more flexible training options known as apprenticeship units will be introduced.

These programmes:

• Last from a few weeks to a few months
• Focus on specific skills
• Can be funded through the new levy system

This marks a shift towards more agile, targeted workforce development.

Changes to funding: the Growth & Skills Levy

The Apprenticeship Levy will become the Growth & Skills Levy, bringing both opportunities and challenges:

• Employers can fund a wider range of training
• Funding to be used within 12 months

What does this mean for employers?

These changes create a more flexible system but one that requires quicker decision-making and clearer workforce planning.

Employers will need to:

• Act faster to use available funding
• Consider shorter, targeted training programmes
• Invest in early-career talent pipelines

What does this mean for students?

For individuals, particularly young people, these reforms open new doors:

• More entry-level opportunities
• Faster routes into employment
• Flexible ways to gain in-demand skills

How we can support you

We are already adapting our offer to align with these reforms and ensure our partners are fully supported.

For employers

We can help you:

• Navigate the new Growth & Skills Levy
• Identify the right apprenticeship or training route
• Recruit and develop talent
• Design flexible training using new apprenticeship units

For students

We offer:

• A wide range of apprenticeship opportunities
• Career-focused training aligned to employer needs
• Support at every stage from application to completion

For partners and communities

As a leading further education provider, we are committed to:

• Supporting regional skills growth
• Working with local employers across Wiltshire and beyond
• Creating pathways into sustainable employment

Looking ahead

These reforms represent a major shift towards a more flexible, employer-focused skills system.

While change can bring uncertainty, it also creates new opportunities for employers to build future talent and for individuals to take their first steps into rewarding careers.

We’re ready to support you every step of the way.

Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can help you navigate the changes and plan for the future.

📞 01249 465282

✉️ apprenticeships@wiltshire.ac.uk