Level 7 Apprenticeships are changing

28th May 2025

Following a period of uncertainty, we’re pleased to share that there is much-needed clarity surrounding the future of government funding for Level 7 apprenticeships and wider changes across the apprenticeship landscape.

What has been confirmed, and what should employers do now?

What Has Been Confirmed?
The Government has officially announced that Level 7 apprenticeships will continue to be government-funded for:

Young people aged 16–21

Individuals under 25 who are care leavers or have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) at the start of their apprenticeship in England.

These changes will take effect from 1 January 2026. 

What Should Employers Do Now?
If you currently employ, or plan to employ, learners on Level 7 training programmes, here’s what you need to know:

No immediate change in 2025
Any apprentice who begins their Level 7 programme before 1 January 2026 will still receive full government funding through to completion.

Support timely progression
If you have Level 4 apprentices nearing completion, we recommend planning for progression to Level 7 as soon as possible. Prompt completion of their current programme will ensure they are eligible to enrol before the 2026 funding deadline.

How First Intuition Is Supporting You
We understand that navigating these changes can be challenging. That’s why we’re actively working to provide guidance and practical solutions to support your organisation.

Webinar on 5 June
We’ll be running a webinar on the 5 June at 1pm to walk through the funding changes in more detail – you can register for that here. 

Developing Solutions: 
We’re developing solutions to help you adapt to the new funding landscape. Join us during the week of 14 July, where we’ll be hosting a webinar event to share these in more detail. Sign-up details coming soon.

If you want to find out more visit our website - https://www.firstintuition.co.uk/fihub/level-7-apprenticeship-funding-and-programme-changes/