Marvin OnumonuThe Government set out plans for 120,000 new training opportunities for young people, focusing on skills most needed to rebuild the country.
The plans cover training more bricklayers, carpenters and healthcare support workers, with reforms aimed at young, domestic talent.
Backed by a £3bn apprenticeship budget, the measures are expected to create more routes into skilled work.
The Government committed to 30,000 additional apprenticeship starts during this parliament, with the aim of getting more people into construction, healthcare and digital roles.
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.
“But everyone has a role to play in a thriving economy, and we’re taking our responsibility seriously providing more routes into employment, it’s now the responsibility of young people to take them.”
The Government raised the immigration skills charge by 32%, which is expected to fund up to 45,000 extra training places to help upskill the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on migration in key sectors.
Funding will be shifted away from level 7 apprenticeships from January 2026, but support will remain for those aged 16 to 21 and current apprentices.
This move is designed to focus more levy funding on training at lower levels.
In addition to the apprenticeship budget, £14m in adult skills funding for construction will be devolved to local mayors next year, expected to support up to 5,000 adult learners.
A further £136m has been set aside for skills bootcamps in priority sectors in 2025-26, aiming to train over 40,000 people.
There is also £100m over four years to expand construction skills bootcamps and 10 technical excellence colleges specialising in construction skills are due to open in September 2025.
