CIAT back RIBA calls to raise age for Level 7 apprenticeships funding
The group, including industry bodies, businesses, employers and academic institutions, warns that to drive growth a dynamic and highly-skilled workforce is essential. Level 7 built environment apprentices are a vital part of this workforce, but the government’s recent policy change, which cuts off funding for Level 7 apprentices over the age of 21, directly contradicts this.
The RIBA-led letter highlights that without raising the age for funding, it 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.
Eddie Weir PPCIAT, Immediate Past President, Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, said:
With the UK facing the twin challenges of a profound housing crisis and a changing climate, Level 7 apprenticeships are a key mechanism to grow a diverse and futureproofed built environment workforce. Limiting funding to those aged 21 or under undermines this mechanism and risks deepening emerging skills gaps.
