Anna Morrison CBE
Director, Amazing Apprenticeships
2026 will be significant for apprenticeships, with the Government pledging to refocus opportunities on young people starting their careers while creating new apprenticeship units to better support those already in work.
Over the last ten years, apprenticeships have been transformed into a skills programme that can support all ages and stages of an individual’s career, from entry level through to master’s degree. Significant developments include the introduction of shorter duration apprenticeships (now an 8-month minimum), an increase to the Apprenticeship Care Leavers’ Bursary to £3,000, changes to English and maths requirements for those aged 19+ and reforms to apprenticeship assessment processes.
Further changes are anticipated in 2026, with the apprenticeship landscape set to evolve further. So, what can we expect to see?
Foundation apprenticeships
Introduced in 2025, these are specifically for those aged 16-21 (or up to 24 meeting certain criteria). The Government has pledged to expand the range of foundation apprenticeships from the seven currently available in engineering, digital, construction and health, to include new sectors such as retail and hospitality.
Apprenticeship units
Launching in 2026, apprenticeship units will support those already in employment. Initially available in engineering, digital and AI, it’s anticipated that apprenticeship units will support the development of higher-level skills through specialist short courses.
SME support
Small businesses are critical to the expansion of apprenticeships. The Government has committed that small businesses employing apprentices under the age of 25 will be fully funded for training, a continuation of the removal of National Insurance Contributions for apprentices aged under 25, and a new £2,000 SME apprenticeship grant from October 2026.
Launching in 2026, apprenticeship units will support those already in employment
Streamlining of apprenticeship standards
There are currently around 700 different apprenticeship standards that employers can utilise. A major review of apprenticeship standards is expected, streamlining the system so it’s simpler for employers and apprentices to navigate.
These changes sit among a raft of other local and regional pilots as part of the youth guarantee, aimed at connecting employers with apprenticeship opportunities to the talented young people in their local areas.
To stay up to date on the latest apprenticeship news and to access further information about apprenticeships and technical education pathways, please visit Amazingapprenticeships.com
