The UK government has announced skills reforms giving young people opportunity to develop skills in priority areas for the country.

Young people are set to benefit from 120,000 new training opportunities as part of a radical skills revolution, giving them the chance to develop skills where they are most needed across the workforce to rebuild Britain.

The measures, backed by a record-breaking £3bn apprenticeship budget, will open up opportunities for young people to succeed in careers the country vitally needs to prosper.

To support this, the government is implementing a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge, which will deliver up to 45,000 additional training places to upskill the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on migration in priority sectors.

From January 2026, funding will be refocused away from Level 7 (master’s-level) apprenticeships, while continuing to support apprentices aged 16 to 21 and those already enrolled. This shift will allow levy funding to be reallocated toward lower-level training, where it can have the greatest impact.

In addition to the £3bn apprenticeship budget, key aspects includes:

  • £14m of adult skills funding for construction to be devolved to local mayors for next academic year, expected to support up to 5,000 additional adult learners.
  •  £136m for Skills Bootcamps across a range of priority sectors in 2025 to 2026, providing training to over 40,000 learners.
  • £100m over 4 years to expand Construction Skills Bootcamps.
  • 10 technical excellence colleges specialising in construction skills, opening in September 2025.

The government is also confirming board appointments to the new national body for skills, Skills England, which will work with employers and local leaders to shape training policy and delivery.

Bridget Phillipson Education Secretary, 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.”

“When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future – creating opportunities as part of our Plan for Change.”

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, commented: “It’s positive to see the Government’s skills announcement this week, helping to create more opportunities for young people getting into work and increase investment in the skills system. However, as part of its skills reform, we urge the Government to consider the hospitality industry as part of the plans.”