Apprenticeships approval times to be cut under new reforms

Ministers announced reforms to speed up apprenticeship approvals from about 18 months to as little as three months and pledged £725 million to support 50,000 more apprenticeships.

The government announced reforms to the apprenticeship system to speed approval of new and updated programmes and to introduce short courses for major projects. The measures were unveiled ahead of National Apprenticeship Week and are linked to changes to the Growth and Skills Levy. Ministers said the reforms could reduce approval times from around 18 months to as little as three months. The package includes £725 million in funding and is aimed at delivering 50,000 more apprenticeships for young people. Key facts: - Ministers say apprenticeship approval times may fall from about 18 months to as little as three months. - The reforms form part of changes connected to the Growth and Skills Levy and carry £725 million in backing. - The government said the measures aim to deliver 50,000 additional apprenticeships for young people. - Officials linked the package to an ambition of getting two-thirds of young people into higher-level learning or apprenticeships. - Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said removing unnecessary barriers would give young people access to careers tied to major infrastructure and investment projects. - The senior minister visited Cammell Laird shipyard, and BAE Systems said it currently has about 5,100 apprentices in learning. Summary: The reforms seek to speed the process for approving apprenticeships and to support more placements with targeted funding, which ministers say will connect young people to major infrastructure and defence projects. Undetermined at this time.