However, funding will shift from masters-level apprenticeships to lower-level training starting in January 2026, while still supporting individuals aged 16-21 and existing apprentices.

The UK Government has announced a significant initiative to create 120,000 new training opportunities aimed at enhancing workforce skills and reducing reliance on migrant workers ahead of the next general election.

This initiative will be supported by a record investment of £3 billion ($4 billion) to bolster job training opportunities across various sectors.

Experts from education and industry have expressed strong support for these reforms, emphasizing their importance in addressing skills gaps and improving job opportunities for young people.

Despite the potential benefits, participation in apprenticeships among under-25s has declined, particularly among marginalized groups, highlighting the need for targeted outreach.

To further enhance domestic workforce skills, the government plans to implement a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge, which is expected to create up to 45,000 additional training places.

Critics, including Shadow Education Minister Neil O'Brien, have raised concerns that eliminating higher apprenticeships could adversely affect public services, particularly the NHS.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that the era of open borders is over, signaling a shift in immigration policy alongside these new training measures.

The training opportunities will target key sectors including construction, engineering, health and social care, and digital, addressing critical labor shortages.

New initiatives include 13 Level 2 construction courses for adults, along with £14 million for adult skills funding in construction and £136 million for Skills Bootcamps, expected to train over 40,000 learners.

The Law Society has called for continued funding for masters-level apprenticeships, which are crucial for qualifying as a solicitor without attending university, to promote social mobility.

Currently, over 21% of working-age Britons are not employed or seeking employment, a statistic that has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the urgency of these training initiatives.