On Tuesday 27 May, the Government announced a change to how level 7 apprenticeships are funded. Level 7 apprenticeships are equivalent to a Master’s degree.

From 1 January 2026, Level 7 apprenticeships will only be funded for people aged 16-21, and people under 25 who are care leavers and those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) at the start of their apprenticeship programme in England.

Employers wishing to utilise level 7 apprenticeships will be required to pay for them themselves for apprentices who do not meet the above criteria. This change comes into effect on 1 January 2026. Any level 7 apprenticeships started before this date will continue to be funded through to completion via the apprenticeship levy.

This means there is a short window before 1 January to utilise level 7 apprenticeships whilst the funding is still available via the levy. The NCL Training Hub can support primary care employers who do not pay into the levy to access funding via a levy transfer - this ensures the apprenticeship is fully funded.  

Contact the team to discuss apprenticeships further: nclicb.nclthapprenticeships@nhs.net, and visit this page for the Government announcement.