Overview
- Pat McFadden has instructed Skills England to approve new schemes for major infrastructure within three months, replacing a process that typically took 18 months.
- A new accelerated approach will allow rapid updates to standards and the creation of short courses using occupational experts while maintaining quality.
- The package, part of the Growth and Skills Levy, targets sectors such as defence, nuclear, clean energy, batteries and rail to meet urgent labour needs.
- Government signals that companies delivering major public projects will be expected to include apprenticeship commitments in their contracts.
- Industry leaders welcomed the move, with BAE Systems planning to recruit 1,100 apprentices this year, Hinkley Point C reporting 1,700 trained to date, and Sizewell C planning 1,500 over construction, alongside support voiced by battery firm Agratas.