Apprenticeship Changes 2026: What Employers Need to Know

Changes 2026: What Employers Need Apprenticeship to Know 

Update for Employers | April 2026

A Clear Shift Towards Young Talent

The Government has announced major apprenticeship reforms, backed by £900m investment over the next three years. 

The direction is clear. More focus on 16–24-year-olds, key skills gaps, and making apprenticeships easier for employers to use. 

For SMEs, this creates a strong opportunity to recruit and develop new talent. 

£2,000 Incentive for SMEs

From October 2026, non-levy employers can receive up to £2,000 when hiring a 16–24-year-old apprentice. 

  • Applies to new employees 
  • First payment after 90 days on programme
     

This sits alongside wider Government plans to support young people into work through the expanded Youth Guarantee. 

In simple terms: apprenticeships are becoming more financially attractive for SMEs. 

 New Entry Routes for Young People 

Government is also making it easier to bring in new starters: 
 
Foundation apprenticeships expanding from April 2026 
New Level 2 Administrative Assistant apprenticeship launching August 2026 
These are designed to support entry-level recruitment and career starters. 

A Simpler, More Focused System 

From September 2026, funding will be removed from a number of apprenticeship standards, particularly those used for existing or senior staff.

The aim is to:  
 
  • Focus funding on young people 
  • Create clearer career pathways
  • Address skills shortages
 
For most SMEs, this will not disrupt current provision, but it does signal a shift in how apprenticeships are being used.
Flexible Skills Through Apprenticeship Units.
From April 2026, new apprenticeship units will be introduced. 

These offer shorter, targeted training in areas such as AI, construction, and engineering, giving employers a quicker way to upskill staff.

How Knights Training Academy Can Support You 

At Knights Training Academy, we are already aligning our delivery to these changes. 
We support employers with: 

  • Identifying the right apprenticeship
  • Recruitment and onboarding
  • Ongoing learner and employer support
 

Final Thought 

These changes are about one thing, creating more opportunities for young people while making it easier for employers to invest in future talent. 
 
For SMEs, this is a clear opportunity to grow your workforce in a structured, supported and cost-effective way.

More Posts

Get ahead in the agent qualification journey 

Mandatory qualifications for property agents are firmly back on the agenda. Revived by the RoPA report and reinforced through ongoing Government consultation, the direction of travel is clear. The sector is moving towards higher standards, greater accountability and formal recognition of competence.

Confidence, Capability, and Career Progression Through Apprenticeship

At Knights Training Academy, we are proud to support learners working across housing and property management to develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to progress in their careers.
This month, we are pleased to share the success story of Tanya Kirk, who successfully completed her Housing & Property Management Level 3 Apprenticeship while working full time in a demanding property role.

Quarterly Update for Apprentices & Employers

This newsletter has been created to support both apprentices and employers by
sharing practical guidance, celebrating success, and showing how feedback directly
shapes the way we deliver training. It brings together learner voice, employer insight,
and governance oversight to provide a clear picture of what is working well and where
improvements have been made.

Get in touch!

We'd be happy to answer any questions you have. Simply fill out the form below.