More than 70 leading organisations from across the built environment sector have signed a letter coordinated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) calling on the Government to raise the age for Level 7 apprenticeship funding to 25 years old for built environment professionals.
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.
In the joint letter submitted to Government, signatories highlight that without raising the age for funding we 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.
Signatories include leading organisations such as the Landscape Institute, Royal Town Planning Institute, the Design Council, and the University of Cambridge alongside global architecture practices including Foster + Partners.
Organisations from across the sector echoed the concerns raised in the RIBA-led letter.
Read the letter in full and see the full list of signatories here.
