NationalApprenticeshipWeek2026

National Apprenticeship Week 2026

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is an annual opportunity to celebrate the impact of apprenticeships and reflect on how they support skills development, productivity and long-term business growth. Now in its 19^th year, NAW brings together employers, apprentices and training providers to share success stories and inspire more people to choose apprenticeships for career and organisational growth.

In 2025, significant reforms were introduced to the apprenticeship system, reshaping how employers access and use funding. Central to these changes is the introduction of the Growth and Skills Levy, designed to give employers greater flexibility in how levy funds support training and workforce development.

For levy-paying employers, the reforms bring both new opportunities and new considerations. While the Growth and Skills Levy allows funding to be used more flexibly, levy funds now expire more quickly, placing greater emphasis on proactive planning. In addition, the removal of the 10% government top-up means employers need to take a more strategic approach to maximising the value of their levy contributions.

For non-levy-paying employers and SMEs, the reforms aim to increase participation and access. There is a renewed boost for SMEs with fully funded training for under 25s, making apprenticeships an attractive route for recruiting and developing talent.

Below we have outlined some of the key changes to levy and non-levy paying employers. The apprenticeship landscape consistently evolves and the impact of the reforms will differ depending on your organisation's size, sector and workforce needs. If you would like to discuss your levy position and options to make the best use of funds available to you and your team we would be happy to support you. Get in touch to discuss your individual requirements with our team of experts who have over 25 years of experience as a training provider.

A conversation can help you:

Understand how the 2025 reforms affect your funding and obligations.
Plan effectively to avoid unused or expired levy funds.
Identify apprenticeship pathways that deliver real business value.

National Apprenticeship Week is the ideal time to review your approach and ensure your apprenticeship strategy is fit for the future.

Growth and Skills Levy

This new levy will introduce more flexible training options, including foundation apprenticeships from April. This is an exiting opportunity and we will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Fully Funded Training for Under 25s in SMEs

From August smaller and mid-sized employers now have 100% of training costs covered by for apprentices under 25, removing the previous 5% co-investment requirement.

Faster Expiry of Levy Funds

Employers now have 12 months, reduced from 24 to use their levy contributions before they expire.

Higher Co-Investment

Employers will need to contribute 25% of training costs once their levy balance is exhausted (up from the current 5%).

Removal of the 10% Top-up

The government's monthly top-up will be withdrawn, and employers will only be able to access the value of their own contributions.

86 %

Of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation.

84 %

Of employers would recommend apprenticeships to other employers.

77 %

Of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve productivity.

75 %

Of employers who trained existing employees as apprentices reported improved staff retention.