Today (27 May 2025), the government announced plans to scrap funding for level 7 apprenticeships – equivalent to a master’s degree – for people over 21, with changes set to take effect from January 2026.
While we acknowledge this move is designed to free up funding for employment opportunities for young people, this decision could have harmful consequences for people with convictions, many of whom could benefit from support to build or rebuild a career.
For many people, a conviction is a significant barrier to employment and career options, but support with education and training can often be the key to rebuilding their lives. At all levels, education or training provide the opportunity to acquire skills and qualifications which can help people gain employment which, in turn, provides them with a sense of purpose and financial independence.
These level 7 apprenticeships offer not just another training opportunity, but a chance to stay in their chosen sectors by moving into a different role or specialism. This funding has been an affordable and realistic pathway to continuing professional development without being forced to start over entirely.
Our Education and Training Lead, Katherine Lear, responded to the changes announced:
“It is disappointing to see the government de-prioritise access to education for those unable to self-fund. For people with and without convictions, higher level apprenticeships can be life-changing - offering a chance to specialise in a sector and advance their career journeys. This decision would remove that pathway completely.”
It is reasonable that the age cap is extended to under 25s for care leavers, and we urge the government to apply the same consideration to people with convictions. Like care leavers, they often face considerable barriers to education and employment.
We ask the government to consider making people with convictions exempt from these funding changes, allowing them to access higher-level apprenticeships later in life and continue building their careers.
Alex Clarke
Policy Officer
