Skills and Apprenticeships
Major reform to recruitment and training
The skills landscape is undergoing major reform which will affect how employers recruit, train and develop their workforce.
Get involved
We are engaging with members on these changes and preparations through the Employment and Skills Forum - Skills Group (ESFS). If you are interested in joining, please contact Louis.
Apprenticeship Reform in England
Review of 700+ Apprenticeship Standards
Government plans to review and streamline standards and target provision toward key economic priorities such as engineering, AI, and manufacturing. Food and drink apprenticeships, and other key standards, must be protected.
New Foundation Apprenticeships
Shorter, employment-based programmes at Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) providing new entry routes for young people into priority sectors. These pathways provide an introduction into a sector but do not lead to occupational competence. The minimum duration for apprenticeships has also been reduced from 12 months to 8 months.
Simplified English & Maths Requirements
Apprentices aged 19 and older no longer need to pass English and maths functional skills qualifications to complete their apprenticeship.
Levy Reform: Transition to a Growth & Skills Levy
Government is preparing to replace the Apprenticeship Levy with a Growth & Skills Levy from April 2026. Expected changes include:
- Full funding for under25 apprentices in SMEs (no 5% contribution)
- Levy funds expiring after 12 months (rather than 24 months)
- Removal of the 10% government top up for levy payers
- Introduction of shorter ‘apprenticeship units’ in engineering, construction and AI
- Expected defunding of leadership and management apprenticeships
Major Changes to Apprenticeship Assessments
A significant reform programme is underway, with changes expected by August 2026. Skills England is reviewing all End Point Assessment (EPA) methods to:
- Streamline assessment models
- Reduce the number of apprenticeship standards
- Shift toward workplace observation and employer provided evidence
Youth Guarantee
Government is introducing a new Youth Guarantee programme to address the growing number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) – close to one million – and to respond to declining entry level recruitment across the economy. This includes:
- A new six-month, government funded job offer for eligible young people (up to 25hrs a week)
- Additional incentives for employers hiring apprentices and foundation apprentices
- Expanded work experience and sector-based training places
- A major expansion of local Youth Hubs providing support into jobs, apprenticeships and training
Workforce & Immigration Strategy
Government is aligning skills policy more closely with immigration rules, particularly the Temporary Shortage List (TSL). Some shortage roles below degree level (RQF level 6) may remain eligible for sponsorship via the TSL where sectors can demonstrate credible plans to build domestic talent pipelines. Please visit the immigration page for more information on wider immigration changes.
FDF Apprenticeships Position
- Food and drink manufacturing apprenticeship standards must be protected given their importance to national food security and domestic skills pipelines.
- Leadership and management training should be retained due to its importance for productivity and business growth.
- Higher level apprenticeship units should be prioritised to support workforce upskilling.
Skills England must strengthen engagement with employers on assessment reforms.
Skills Policy and Reform Update (Scotland)
The Scottish Government is reshaping Scotland's skills system by bringing skills planning in‑house and narrowing Skills Development Scotland’s role, with future priorities to be guided by new government‑identified priority sectors. FDF Scotland is engaging closely with officials to ensure the food and drink sector’s skills needs are fully recognised.
The Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Skills Advisory Group has published its refreshed Skills Action Plan, drawing on extensive research and industry engagement undertaken throughout 2025. You can read the full research and download the plan here: Food and Drink Skills Action Plan 2025
Major reform is also progressing through the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill, which transfers responsibility for apprenticeships and training programmes to a redesigned Scottish Funding Council. FDF Scotland has secured amendments ensuring strong employer representation in future governance and funding decisions.
Skills Development Scotland is developing new Skills Needs Assessments to provide clearer insight into current and future skills gaps, with FDF Scotland contributing sector‑specific evidence in the co‑design process. Alongside this, FDF Scotland continues to engage with Education Scotland on the Curriculum Improvement Cycle to ensure the curriculum reflects the evolving needs of food and drink employers.
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