“For too long, success has been measured by how many young people go to university. That narrow view has held back opportunity and created barriers we need to break. If you choose an apprenticeship, you should have the same respect and opportunity as everyone else…
“It’s time to change the way apprenticeships are viewed and to put them on an equal footing with university. This is a defining cause for this government and a key step towards our ambition to get two thirds of young people in higher level learning or apprenticeships.”
So said Prime Minister Keir Starmer, earlier this month when announcing a £725m package of reforms to the apprenticeship system (as part of £1.5bn wider investment in the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy) and a commitment to create 50,000 new opportunities. For young people in Ellesmere Port and across Cheshire, it’s a signal that apprenticeships are central to Britain’s future workforce, and that local training providers like us at TTE are at the heart of delivering them.
A Major Investment in Skills
The government’s announcement made clear that this multi-million pound investment is designed to reverse a longterm decline in apprenticeship starts and to ensure that training matches local job opportunities. It includes full funding for under 25 apprenticeships at small and medium sized businesses, removing the financial barriers that have discouraged many employers from taking on apprentices. It also sets out £140m for regional pilots, giving mayors and local leaders the power to connect young people not in education, employment or training with apprenticeship opportunities.
Alongside this, new short courses in AI, engineering and digital skills will be introduced from April 2026, with a new Level 4 apprenticeship in artificial intelligence signalling the government’s intent to futureproof the skills system.
Industry Voices
The reforms have largely been welcomed across sectors regarding young people being able to build skilled careers and allowing businesses to help them. Paraic O’Lochlainn, Vice President of eMaint (Fluke Corporation), described the announcement as “an important signal of intent,” but cautioned that success will depend on execution, collaboration, and a wider rethink of how talent is developed to fuel a competitive manufacturing base and power clean growth objectives. He stressed that closing the skills gap
“isn’t a numbers game; it’s a strategic investment in the nation’s capability and competitiveness.”
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) was enthusiastic. Its national leadership said: “Small firms are incredibly enthusiastic about apprenticeships, and this package is a game changer. By removing financial barriers, the government has made it easier for SMEs to take on young talent and invest in the future workforce. This will give thousands of small businesses the confidence to recruit apprentices and provide opportunities that benefit both employers and communities.”
Opportunities for TTE Learners
For those considering an apprenticeship, the implications are significant. With 50,000 new apprenticeships being created, there is more opportunity than ever before. Demand will rise, and TTE’s Outstanding Ofsted rating positions us as a trusted gateway for learners who want to be confident their training will lead to real careers. Local small and medium sized businesses can now take on apprentices without cost barriers, making TTE trained candidates even more attractive to employers. With reforms prioritising engineering and digital skills, TTE’s mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and process pathways are directly aligned with national priorities. And for the region itself, the reforms strengthen the industrial base and open doors for young people to “earn while they learn” in high demand sectors.
Changing Perceptions
The Prime Minister’s words underline a cultural shift. Apprenticeships are no longer second best to university. They are equal routes to success, offering respect, opportunity, and career progression. For TTE, this is a powerful message to share with all of our prospective learners and parents alike.
And it’s what we, among many, have always said: apprenticeships are not just practical training, they are a respected choice for ambitious young people.
Looking Ahead
The reforms announced this month are also more than a funding boost. For TTE, they reinforce our mission: to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and experience to thrive in engineering and process industries. Applications for our 2025 intake are now open. With demand expected to rise, we encourage those thinking of this route to apply early and take advantage of this historic investment in skills.