Building Skills: Government Announces New Apprenticeships Amid Wider Funding Questions

May 30, 2025

The Government has announced new investments in skills training, targeting key sectors such as construction and health & social care, which are vital to the region’s economy and communities. The plan includes a £3 billion increase in apprenticeship funding, 13 new adult training courses in construction trades including bricklaying and plumbing, and a £50 million skills fund to support recruitment and training in the care sector. These measures aim to address ongoing employer demand for skilled workers, supporting national growth and essential services. However, proposed funding changes to Level 7 apprenticeships (advanced training equivalent to a master’s degree) could limit how employers develop top-level skills in leadership, engineering, and digital sectors.

Charlotte Horobin, Chief Executive Officer at Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said:

“We acknowledge the ambition behind the Government’s latest skills investment plans, particularly the renewed focus on vocational training in construction and care – two sectors vital to both economic growth and community resilience in our region. We hope that these new pathways will support entry-level training and help tackle persistent recruitment challenges locally.

“However, proposed changes to the funding of Level 7 apprenticeships may impact some employers’ ability to develop higher-level skills in leadership, engineering, and digital sectors. It is important that we remain vigilant on how this influences opportunities for advanced skills and leadership training.

“It is our hope that the Government continues to work closely with business to ensure future reforms reflect the diverse talent needs across the economy.”

Construction and health & social care continue to experience strong recruitment demand locally, driven by ongoing housing developments, infrastructure projects, and essential care services. To provide businesses and stakeholders with the latest insights on these trends, the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce will host their Quarterly Labour Market Webinar, taking place on 4 June. This data-led session will explore regional labour market patterns, sector-specific demands, and emerging training needs – helping employers and educators stay informed and aligned with the local economy.

Building on this, CambsB2B North, the Chamber’s flagship annual business event, takes place on 12 June at the KingsGate Conference Centre in Peterborough. Bringing together businesses, educators, and partners from across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, and Stamford, the event will focus on the key themes of Tech, Talent, and Trade. It offers a valuable opportunity to collaborate on skills development and discuss how local training provision can adapt to meet evolving employer needs.

Register for the Quarterly Labour Market Webinar here:
https://www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/event/quarterly-regional-labour-market-analysis-webinar-3/

To learn more or register for CambsB2B North, visit:
https://www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/event/cambsb2b-north-2/

For more information on the Department for Education’s national skills investment announcement, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/next-generation-of-builders-and-carers-set-to-rebuild-britain