“Construction Apprenticeship Overhaul Must Offer More For Employers”
As the government announced a complete overhaul of apprenticeships in its latest plan to increase employment and education opportunities among young people.
By refocusing funding away from Level 7 apprenticeships from January 2026 and introducing Foundation Level apprenticeships for 18–22-year-olds, it hopes to develop skills where they’re needed most – including in construction.
EN:Able Futures is a flexi-job apprenticeship service with more than a decade of experience in creating pathways for young people in construction. Julie Deeley, its director of operations, has shared her thoughts on what these changes could mean in practice.
“I do think that these reforms offer the chance to increase the number of apprenticeships and in turn employment within the sector, which will support the ever-growing skills gap. However, regardless of the level of pathways introduced, we are still at the mercy of employers to actually offer apprenticeships to young people.
“We’ve seen the number of opportunities at Level 2 and 3 in construction rapidly decrease over the last few years, and this is in part due to the investment of time and resources required by the employers when apprentices are that bit younger and less experienced. The government needs to be aware of the commitment required by businesses and offer support for this too.
“For those that do host an apprentice from Level 2 upwards, the rewards are incredibly valuable in the long-term. Foundation apprenticeships can lead to further apprenticeships and employment in the sector. They also offer businesses the chance to grow their own talent – shaping and developing individuals for their exact business needs and offering direct progression routes in the process.
“Most importantly, these announced changes can bring opportunities that don’t just support young people but start to solve the skills crisis. However, this isn’t possible by only focusing on the education aspect of apprenticeships. Employers need more incentives and support to get on board too.”
