Government to axe Level 7 apprenticeship scheme for over 21s used by some councils to fund trainees

The Government has decided to scrap apprenticeship funding for people over the age of 21 in a blow to local authorities using the scheme to fund legal trainees.

Announcing the changes on Tuesday (27 May), the Department for Education said the move was aimed at "refocusing" investment towards young people at the start of their working lives.

Under the changes, level 7 apprenticeships will continue to be government-funded for young people aged 16 to 21 and for care leavers or those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who are under 25 at the start of their apprenticeship in England.

Any apprentice who started a level 7 apprenticeship before 1 January 2026 will continue to be funded through to completion.

The changes will take hold from 1 January 2026.

Some local authorities rely on the level 7 apprenticeship to train lawyers via the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

In Coventry City Council, up to eight trainees are using the level 7 apprenticeship scheme to fund their training.

Adam Carey