Apprenticeships policy shift underscores need for alternative strategies, says IMI

As part of its skills reforms, the government is placing a greater emphasis on training at lower levels, an area where it anticipates the “greatest impact.” To help finance this rebalance, it will withdraw funding for Level 7 (masters-level) apprenticeships from January 2026. The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) notes that while an emphasis on lower-level training aligns with the automotive sector’s traditional focus on younger apprentices, it also warns of unintended consequences.