Next Generation of Builders and Carers Set to Rebuild Britain
The UK government has announced a radical skills revolution aimed at providing young people with 120,000 new training opportunities, enabling them to develop skills in areas where they are most needed across the workforce to rebuild Britain. This move is part of a drive to get Britain working, with a focus on training more skilled brickies, carpenters, and healthcare support workers.
According to a recent announcement by the UK Government, landmark reforms have been introduced to refocus the skills landscape towards young, domestic talent. The measures, backed by a record-breaking £3 billion apprenticeship budget, will open up opportunities for young people to succeed in careers that the country vitally needs to prosper.
The UK Government has stated that more routes into skilled work will mean more people building affordable homes, more care for NHS patients, and more digital experts to push the economy forward. This includes an additional 30,000 apprenticeship starts across this Parliament.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we’re backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive. When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future – creating opportunities as part of our Plan for Change."
The UK Government has outlined several measures to support this initiative, including a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge, which will deliver up to 45,000 additional training places to upskill the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on migration in priority sectors. Additionally, funding will be refocused away from Level 7 (masters-level) apprenticeships from January 2026, while maintaining support for those aged 16 to 21 and existing apprentices.
The UK Government has also announced the launch of 13 new Level 2 construction courses for adults in non-devolved areas under the Free Courses for Jobs scheme. Furthermore, £14 million of adult skills funding for construction will be devolved to local mayors for the next academic year, expected to support up to 5,000 additional adult learners.
In addition to the £3 billion apprenticeship budget, the UK Government is backing the new generation of workers through £136 million for Skills Bootcamps across a range of priority sectors in 2025 to 2026, providing training to over 40,000 learners. £100 million over 4 years will be allocated to expand Construction Skills Bootcamps, and 10 technical excellence colleges specialising in construction skills will open in September 2025.
The reforms are a vital step in delivering the UK Government’s youth guarantee and addressing skills shortages to drive growth while creating better opportunities for young people and adults across England. The announcement comes following a dramatic fall in the number of apprenticeship starts over the last decade, and as recent ONS statistics show as many as one in eight 16-24 year olds are not in employment, education or training.
Industry leaders have welcomed the announcement, with Gary Riches, Vice Principal of External Relations at Hartlepool College, stating: "Foundation Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for young people to take their first step into the world of work while continuing to learn." Mike Blakeley, Executive Director of Partnerships and Apprenticeships at Exeter College, added: "Employers and young people’s demand for apprenticeships is stronger than ever, both here in Exeter and across the wider region."
The UK Government has also confirmed board appointments to the new national body for skills, Skills England, which will work with employers and local leaders to shape training policy and delivery. With the introduction of these reforms, the UK Government aims to create a decade of national renewal, investing in skills as an engine of economic growth and putting more money in people’s back pockets.
As part of this initiative, the UK Government has emphasized the importance of addressing skills shortages and creating better opportunities for young people and adults across England. With the support of industry leaders and experts, the UK Government is confident that these reforms will have a positive impact on the economy and the lives of young people across the country.
The UK Government’s commitment to investing in skills and apprenticeships has been praised by various industry experts, including Sarah Yong, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Youth Futures Foundation, who stated: "International evidence shows apprenticeships are a highly impactful way to support young people to prepare for and access jobs, yet participation among under-25s, especially the most marginalised, has declined in recent years."
Overall, the UK Government’s radical skills revolution aims to provide young people with the skills and training needed to succeed in the workforce, while addressing skills shortages and driving economic growth. With the support of industry leaders and experts, these reforms have the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of young people across the country.
