This National Apprenticeship Week (February 9th - 15th, 2026), we are celebrating under the theme of "Skills for Life." With technological change rapidly accelerating, the most enduring tools we can provide an apprentice aren't just technical skills - they are the essential skills that allow them to adapt, grow, and thrive throughout their entire career.
With the launch of the Growth and Skills Levy, the UK’s apprenticeship landscape is fundamentally shifting. The system opens new gateways into the workforce, while placing a new level of responsibility on employers to ensure these shorter, more flexible pathways actually lead to long-term competence.
What has changed in 2026?
The Growth and Skills Levy has replaced the old Apprenticeship Levy:
- Modular learning: From April 2026, the levy includes ‘apprenticeship units’ - shorter, modular courses in areas like AI and green energy. This allows for rapid upskilling without a multi-year commitment.
- Foundation apprenticeships: The legal minimum duration has been reduced to 8 months for specific pathways, allowing for faster entry into the workforce.
- The Level 7 ‘rebalance’: Public funding for Level 7 (Master’s level) apprenticeships is restricted to new starters aged 21 and under (and up to 25 for care leavers). This is a large pivot toward school-leaver programmes and early-career talent pipelines.
Why essential skills remain critical to the success of apprenticeships
Data from the 2025 Essential Skills Tracker shows that the success of an apprenticeship no longer depends on technical training alone. In an era of shorter training cycles and AI integration, essential skills are the operational backbone of a successful apprenticeship.
1. The ‘AI-accelerator’
Workers with higher essential skill scores are 30% more likely to adopt AI tools effectively. Skills like Creativity and Problem Solving are now the primary predictors of AI fluency. For an apprentice, building these skills ensures they work alongside technology rather than being replaced by it.
2. Bridging the ‘experience gap’
The 2025 Youth Voice Census revealed that while 76% of young people value work experience, only 26% were able to access it. As the Levy directs firms towards a greater focus on youth, the Universal Framework allows them to identify potential through a candidate's ability to Listen, Speak, and Collaborate.
3. Solving the "verification gap"
Under the new Skills England assessment principles, "Behaviours" are no longer formally assessed by external examiners. Instead, employers are now responsible for verifying an apprentice's professional behaviours through their own performance management. Without a common language like the Universal Framework, this assessment becomes subjective and inconsistent.
Key tips for employers
To capitalise on the 2026 reforms, we recommend three strategic actions:
- Hire for potential: Use the Universal Framework to set out the essential skills needed for a role. This opens doors for diverse candidates who lack traditional experience but have the "Skills for Life" to thrive in a corporate environment.
- Standardise ‘continuous verification’: Since employers must now sign off on a learner’s behaviours to reach the "Gateway to Completion," ensure your line managers use the Framework to measure progress objectively.
- Plan the ‘progression bridge’: Whether an apprentice starts on a new 8-month foundation route or a traditional degree apprenticeship, the focus should be on what's next, and how they can continue to develop those essential skills in the role. Use the Framework to show them a clear pathway from Day 1 to their next promotion.
Securing the future of the UK workforce
The success of the Growth and Skills Levy will be measured by the longevity of the talent it produces. For large employers, apprenticeships are a unique opportunity to build a pipeline of professionals who are as proficient in their communication and collaboration skills as they are in their technical specialisms.
By integrating the Universal Framework, businesses ensure that ‘Skills for Life’ is more than just a theme; it is a tangible outcome. When we prioritise essential skills, we don't just fill labour gaps - we equip a new generation to lead in an AI-enabled economy.
The investment we make in these foundations today will define the strength of the UK workforce for the next decade.
To find out more about how Skills Builder can support you to build the essential skills of your apprentices, download the Essential Skills Academy brochure, or book a call with us.
