Apprenticeships 2024/25: Key Trends, Challenges, and Strategic Opportunities for Providers

Introduction: Apprenticeship Landscape 2024/25

The provisional figures for the 2024/25 academic year (Aug 2024–Apr 2025) show an interesting shift in England’s apprenticeship landscape. Apprenticeship starts are up 2% year-to-date, with 284,190 starts so far.

While overall growth is steady, the real movement is at higher levels. Apprenticeships at Levels 4–7 have grown 11%, now accounting for 36% of all starts. Within this, Level 6 and 7 starts are up 13%, reaching nearly 50,000 learners (17.5% of the total).

In contrast, intermediate (Level 2) starts have fallen by 7%, signalling a sustained move towards upskilling and higher technical qualifications.

What’s Driving the Shift Towards Higher-Level Apprenticeships?

Several factors are influencing the move towards higher-level apprenticeships, particularly for Further Education (FE) colleges, Independent Training Providers (ITPs), and Higher Education (HE) providers delivering degree apprenticeships:

• Employer demand for advanced technical skills in digital, STEM, engineering, and business leadership.

• Changing learner expectations—apprentices view Levels 4–7 as stronger career pathways.

• Funding and policy signals that support higher-level delivery and encourage levy utilisation.

This creates opportunities and challenges for both providers and employers.

Opportunities for FE Colleges, ITPs, and HE Providers

With higher-level programmes on the rise, providers who deliver specialist, high-quality provision in areas such as:

• Digital and IT

• Engineering and Manufacturing

• Business and Management

…are well-placed to respond to employer demand and secure sustainable enrolments.

However, adapting provision to this growth often requires:

• Curriculum portfolio reviews aligned with skills demand

• Governance and compliance readiness to meet Ofsted and OfS expectations

• Deeper employer partnerships to ensure programme relevance

Opportunities for Employers

For employers, the increase in Level 4–7 apprenticeships offers opportunities to:

• Build succession pipelines for technical and leadership roles

• Upskill existing staff to increase retention

• Make more strategic use of the apprenticeship levy

The challenge is identifying providers equipped to deliver flexible, high-quality degree and higher-level apprenticeships that align with workforce needs.

Why Strategic Planning Matters Now

With apprenticeship policy, employer priorities, and learner preferences all evolving, providers and employers that plan strategically will be best positioned for growth.

This may include:

• Expanding into Level 4–7 provision

• Strengthening employer engagement models

• Reviewing governance and quality assurance processes

How The Leadership Team Supports Providers and Employers

At The Leadership Team, we work with:

• Further Education colleges to align apprenticeship delivery with local skills needs

• Independent Training Providers to strengthen governance and prepare for inspection

• Higher Education institutions to expand and quality-assure degree apprenticeship provision

Our services include:

• Market trend analysis to align provision with demand

• Employer engagement strategy development

• Governance, quality, and compliance reviews for long-term improvement

If your organisation is adapting to the 2024/25 apprenticeship trends—particularly the growth in Level 4–7 programmes—get in touch to discuss your strategy.