Alex Proudfoot, Chief Executive of Independent Higher Education (IHE), said:
"The future growth and productivity of the UK will be powered as much by promoting higher level skills across our workforce as by expanding opportunities for young people at the start of their careers. It is disappointing, therefore, to see Level 7 apprenticeships blocked for the majority of those who would benefit from them, in the face of clear demand from employers and professionals for the knowledge and skills they accrue.
"The emerging skills needs in many industries call for learning that is short, focused and accessible. The Government has an opportunity to meet these needs with an enhanced framework for lifelong learning that is efficient, innovative and flexible – one which incentivises greater co-investment in professional development both by employers and by individuals in control of their own careers. This lifelong learning framework should encompass Level 7 from day one in order to bridge the gap created by the decision to defund these apprenticeships.
"It's great to see a strong focus on construction and the built environment in the funding announced today. While not one of the priority sectors identified in the emerging industrial strategy, it is clear that the built environment will be essential to the Government's ambitions for growth, both as a sector in itself and by supporting the success of so many others.
"We also welcome confirmation of the 45,000 additional training places funded by a strengthened Immigration Skills Charge, as IHE first proposed in our 2024 Manifesto. This money should be ringfenced for a rapid response skills development fund that can be deployed locally to boost the ability of UK residents to meet the sector-specific needs that are clearly indicated by the use of Skilled Worker visas."