Level 7 Apprenticeship Funding Update: What’s Changing and How to Prepare

The Department for Education has officially announced that, from 1 January 2026, Level 7 apprenticeship funding will be limited to apprentices aged 16–21 at the start of their programme. Any apprentice who begins their Level 7 programme before 1 January 2026 will continue to receive full government funding through to completion.

We’ve anticipated this change, and so have you, which has already driven a surge in Level 7 starts throughout 2025. We expect that momentum to continue while funding remains available. At the same time, demand for our Level 6 AI Engineer (ML Engineer standard), launched in February, remains extremely strong, with cohorts on a similar upward trajectory to our Level 7 AI & Data Science programme, demonstrating how organisations are also leveraging Level 6 AI funding to unlock real AI-driven return on investment. 

Key Details

• Effective 1 Jan 2026: Funding will be limited to apprentices aged 16–21 at programme start (and under-25 care leavers/EHCP holders). Any apprentice who begins their programme by 31 December 2025, including those currently on, or who subsequently take a break in learning will continue to receive full funding until completion.

• Key Impact: from 1 Jan 2026, the Level 7 AI apprenticeship will only be Levy-funded for employees aged 16-21 at programme start. All other employees will need to be commercially funded on the apprenticeship or will need to explore other options.

Act Now to Maximise Impact Before Funding Changes

There’s a limited window to start new learners on the Level 7 AI apprenticeship before funding restrictions take effect. For many employees, particularly those over 21, this is the final opportunity to use Levy funding for the L7 AI & Data Science apprenticeship.

Now is the time to:

• Get in touch using the form below
  We’ll help you plan how to maximise your funding for the Level 7 AI apprenticeship before the deadline and assess how the Level 6 AI Engineer programme can support wider AI and ML capability building across your organisation.
  
  

• Spread the word & ensure no one misses out
  We’ll support internal comms and consultations with Data/AI leaders to ensure all suitable staff and managers don’t miss out.
  
  

• Secure your cohort / spaces
  Spaces are limited and demand is high. Reserve your preferred dates now.
  Next cohort applications are due end of June.

We can also help you explore flexible, non-Levy alternatives that deliver the same high-impact outcomes when funding eligibility doesn’t apply.