Government to defund management apprenticeship standards
The government has confirmed that 16 apprenticeship standards, including several widely used leadership and management programmes in the NHS, will be defunded from September 2026. These reforms form part of efforts to redirect apprenticeship funding towards young learners, aligning with wider plans to expand the Youth Guarantee and refocus the Growth and Skills Levy.
Key changes
The following apprenticeship standards will lose funding:
- Team Leader (Level 3)
- Operations Manager (Level 5)
- Coaching Professional (Level 5)
- Lead Practitioner in Adult Care (Level 4)
- Chartered Manager (Level 6)
- Improvement Leader (Level 6)
Higher-level management programmes will need to be delivered as employer‑funded workplace training or NHS Leadership Academy programmes rather than through the apprenticeship system.
Wider reforms
The announcement sits alongside several additional measures designed to boost youth employment and training opportunities, including:
- Introduction of a new Level 2 admin apprenticeship to under-25s.
- £2,000 SME incentive for hiring young apprentices.
- Expansion of the Jobs Guarantee to a wider age range.
- Introduction of seven short apprenticeship units in priority areas such as AI.
- Expansion of foundation apprenticeships.
To find out more about the announcement, read the government’s article.
