The Landscape Institute (LI) and more than 70 leading organisations from across the UK built environment have called upon the Government to raise the age for Level 7 apprenticeship funding to 25 years old for built environment professionals.
The group, composed of industry bodies, businesses, employers, and academic institutions, emphasises that a vibrant and highly-skilled workforce is crucial for driving growth. Level 7 built environment apprentices are a key component of this workforce. However, the Government’s recent policy change, which halts funding for Level 7 apprentices aged 21 or older, directly contradicts this goal.
In the joint letter submitted to Government, signatories highlight that without raising the age for funding we will:
- Weaken the talent pipeline needed to deliver Government priorities on housebuilding, net zero, and new towns.
- Limit diversity within the sector, as apprenticeships allow those with additional responsibilities, such as family or caring commitments, to earn while they learn.
- Reduce the sector’s ability to help two-thirds of young people to get higher-level skills.
The signatories of the letter demanding the change include the RIBA, Chartered Association of Building Engineers, Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors, Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, Design Council, Federation of Master Builders, Royal Town Planning Institute and various universities, and built environment design firms.
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