The government’s decision to limit levy funding for level 7 degree apprenticeships has sparked significant concern among construction industry leaders.
- A report by the University Vocational Awards Council highlights potential negative impacts on economic growth and workforce development.
- The new policy could exacerbate the skills gap in the construction sector, hindering the development of future managers and specialists.
- Vocational advocates argue that the policy undermines social mobility efforts by restricting pathways for disadvantaged individuals.
- The government’s focus on paid ‘foundation’ apprenticeships for younger people is criticised for potentially neglecting the needs of adult workers.
The construction industry is facing turmoil following the government’s announcement to restrict levy funding for level 7 degree apprenticeships. This decision has raised alarms among industry leaders who fear it could widen the existing skills gap and negatively impact the financial health of firms reliant on developing future leaders and specialists. Vocational learning advocates have argued that this policy change serves as a substantial blow to construction employers and the broader economy.
The University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC), in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, has conducted a thorough investigation into the ramifications of this funding shift. Their report underlines the critical role that higher and degree apprenticeships play in fostering firm growth, improving employee retention, and boosting overall productivity. UVAC’s chief executive, Mandy Crawford-Lee, has voiced strong opposition to the policy, asserting that it could derail efforts to upskill workers, particularly those over 25 who currently benefit from the financial support provided for pursuing more technical and managerial roles.
Crawford-Lee’s criticisms are rooted in the argument that the policy contradicts the government’s stated objectives of promoting economic growth and enhancing social mobility. She claims that level 7 degree apprenticeships have been instrumental in providing individuals from less privileged backgrounds access to advanced education and higher-paying jobs. By curtailing funding, the policy may deprive many of these opportunities, potentially stalling their career advancement and limiting their earning potential.
The report also draws attention to findings from the National Foundation of Educational Research, which predict a future where 90% of roles within industries such as construction will necessitate higher-level skills by 2035. This foreseeable demand underscores the importance of sustaining investments in degree apprenticeships at levels 6 and 7. Meanwhile, Charlynne Pullen from Sheffield Hallam University advocates for maintaining robust support systems for adult apprentices who seek to evolve their careers by learning new skills at different points in their professional journey.
While the introduction of paid ‘foundation’ apprenticeships is a step towards engaging more young people in vocational training, advocates caution against allowing these initiatives to overshadow the importance of supporting adult learners. As Crawford-Lee observes, such measures should complement rather than compromise the essential funding that enables construction firms to cultivate skilled leadership within their ranks.
The proposed funding changes could imperil the development of skilled leaders by limiting support for necessary vocational training pathways in construction.
