CUTTING higher-level apprenticeships is a false economy, Unison has warned.

On Tuesday, the government unveiled plans to create 120,000 new apprenticeship and training opportunities in England ahead of the next general election.

But as part of the plans, it announced that funding will be shifted away from level seven (master’s level) apprenticeships from 2025 onwards and be “rebalanced” towards training at lower levels.

Support at level seven will be maintained for those aged 16-21 and existing apprentices.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we’re backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive.”

Unison head of health Helga Pile said: “Expanding youth opportunities is a positive step, but cutting funding for higher-level apprenticeships is a false economy. 

“Some of these programmes train essential staff, such as NHS nurses and allied health professionals, to develop clinical skills vital for patient care and safety. They also support career progression for those who train later in life.

“Skills development at all levels deserves investment.”

The Law Society’s president Richard Atkinson said: “Level seven solicitor apprenticeships continue to be the only route outside of university to qualify as a solicitor due to specific qualifications set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

“Apprenticeships play a vital role in promoting social mobility.”

The announcement follows Labour’s immigration white paper, which outlined plans to hike the charges employers pay to sponsor overseas workers by 32 per cent. 

Today, the Institute for Fiscal Studies reported that if the Department of Education is cut in line with “unprotected” areas of day-to-day spending, it could face a £2.6 billion real-terms cut between now and 2029.

It suggested that if the 16-19 education budget is protected from the cuts, it could result in a 20 per cent being slashed across adult education, apprenticeships, higher education support and other education funding.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “A shortfall in adult skills and further education funding has pushed the sector to crisis point. This is damaging learning outcomes, employment opportunities and growth.

“Labour must not use the spending review to further cut budgets. Instead, college and adult skills funding should receive a real-term increase and be ringfenced so that colleges achieve pay parity with schools.”