The North East Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network has welcomed the Government’s plan for a major skills reform package.
NEAAN praised the measures announced today (Tuesday May 27) by Education Secretary, Bridgette Phillipson, as a bold and much-needed investment in the future of young people and regional skills development.
The package, backed by a record-breaking £3billion apprenticeship budget, aims to create 120,000 training opportunities during this Parliament, making apprenticeships central to growth and focusing on priority sectors like construction, health, and expansion into hospitality and retail.
Jenienne Hinchcliffe, Co-Chair of the North East Apprenticeships Ambassadors Network said: “This is a really positive move by the Government, and puts apprenticeships and skills training at the heart of growth plans. Introducing Foundation Apprenticeships in August is particularly exciting for the North East, offering youngsters meaningful early experiences in these key sectors.
“Shorter, broad-based apprenticeships have the potential to help thousands of young people get started, gain workplace skills, and decide the areas in which they specialise.”
NEAAN backed the redirection of funding to better support younger learners, although it does phase out most Level 7 apprenticeship funding for those aged over 22.
Apprentice Ambassador Chair, Jessica Duff, said: “These changes to funding will hopefully ensure we’re prioritising early intervention, offering young people the strongest possible start to their careers. Reatining funding for care leavers and those with education, health and care plans is a demonstration that equity remains central to this policy.”
The North East could benefit significantly from construction-specific investment, including £14m in devolved adult skills funding and the launch of Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs) to train and support regional providers.
Jenienne added: “We know demand for skilled construction workers is growing and these measures, with new “Skills Bootcamps” and expansion of Free Courses for Jobs, have the potential to help ensure our regional workforce is equipped and fit for the future.”
The Network also welcomed the increase in the Immigration Skills Charge, with the revenue reinvested into domestic skills development, reducing reliance on overseas labour and boosting local skills.
The North East Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network remains committed to championing apprenticeships and supporting employers, learners, and providers as these reforms are rolled out.
