Young people will be given a faster route into high‑quality jobs on major infrastructure and investment projects after the government announced plans to slash red tape and accelerate the development of apprenticeships and short training courses.
The reforms will allow updates to apprenticeship standards – or the creation of new, targeted courses – to be completed in as little as three months, ensuring training keeps pace with rapidly evolving industries and emerging skills needs.
As sectors such as construction, advanced manufacturing and offshore wind continue to evolve, the government says training must adapt just as quickly, whether that means responding to new safety regulations, advances in technology, or the skills required to deliver major national projects.
The new accelerated approach will ensure employers can access the skilled workforce they need sooner, while giving young people quicker pathways into secure, well‑paid jobs. The changes form part of wider Growth and Skills Levy reforms, backed by £725 million in funding, which are expected to deliver 50,000 additional apprenticeships for young people.
These reforms support the government’s ambition to see two‑thirds of young people progress into higher‑level learning or apprenticeships, helping to build a workforce fit for the future. The announcement also reinforces the government’s expectation that companies bidding for major infrastructure contracts should contribute to the creation of high‑quality jobs, skills and apprenticeships.
By aligning workforce development with major investment decisions, the government aims to ensure that economic growth delivers tangible benefits for local communities.
As part of the new Major Investment and Infrastructure Service, the accelerated apprenticeship model will support delivery of projects ranging from Northern Powerhouse Rail to new energetic materials factories for UK defence.
The service will help ensure that local people can access new jobs created by major public and private investment, strengthening regional economies.
The system will draw on occupational experts to make rapid, targeted updates to training standards where demand is highest. This includes revising existing standards in response to regulatory changes, such as updates to construction requirements following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
While speeding up delivery, the government says quality standards will be maintained, ensuring apprenticeships remain rigorous and respected.
Pat McFadden, Work and Pensions Secretary, said:
“Britain’s future depends on getting more young people into good jobs with real prospects. These reforms will slash bureaucracy so we can train people faster in the industries where they’re needed most.
“At Cammell Laird, I’ve seen how apprenticeships are delivering the skilled workforce our country needs — from shipbuilding to advanced manufacturing. We’re building on that success with our additional £725 million Growth and Skills Levy investment to create 50,000 new apprenticeships.
”We need to give more young people a faster route into secure, well-paid work by ensuring British businesses have the talent they need to grow.”
Employers and training providers are being encouraged to engage with Skills England and the Department for Work and Pensions to help shape accelerated apprenticeships and make full use of the Growth and Skills Levy.
The reforms come ahead of the 19th annual National Apprenticeship Week, themed “Skills for life”, and represent a significant shift towards a more agile, employer‑responsive skills system.
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