Comments from Claire Williams, Head of Employer Engagement at Calderdale College
As we mark National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2026, many employers I speak to are feeling a sense of uncertainty. Apprenticeships are evolving rapidly, and with a series of funding, compliance and delivery changes coming into effect this year, or already in place, it’s understandable that some businesses are questioning whether to maintain their apprenticeship offer at all.
Recent data from West Yorkshire reflects this hesitation. The number of opportunities for Level 2 apprenticeships, the entry-level route equivalent to five GCSEs, continues to be low, with employers weighing up the perceived cost, time and complexity. But despite the challenges, apprenticeships remain one of the most effective ways to build future talent pipelines, strengthen teams and support long-term business growth.
This NAW, I want to cut through some of the confusion and highlight why apprenticeships should continue to be a strategic priority for employers of all sizes.
For larger businesses, the Apprenticeship Levy will see some of its most significant changes since it was introduced. From the 2026/2027 academic year, levy funds will now expire after 12 months instead of 24, meaning employers have half the time to utilise their pot before it is reclaimed by government. The removal of the 10% top-up also means budgets will tighten.
However, there is positive news too. Apprenticeship Units, short, modular courses, are being rolled out, with early options expected in growth areas such as AI, engineering and digital. These flexible units could make it easier for businesses to upskill staff quickly and strategically.
Small and medium-sized enterprises face their own challenges. The apprentice minimum wage has risen by 6% to £8 per hour, adding further pressure on affordability for employers who are already balancing tight budgets.
Yet apprentices bring fresh ideas, and long-term value to businesses, and there is support to make them more accessible. From August, SMEs will pay no contribution for apprentices under 25, and the introduction of new Foundation Apprenticeships will create additional entry-level pathways, creating more routes for school leavers and career starters.
Future talent deserves more focus, because apprenticeships aren’t just about filling vacancies today, they shape the workforce of tomorrow. At a time when regional skills gaps are widening, they give young people a credible alternative to university while helping businesses strengthen their long-term talent pipeline, building a more resilient and sustainable regional economy.
At Calderdale College, we work hand in hand with local employers to make sure they can navigate these changes with confidence. Our team helps businesses understand the impact of funding changes, identify the right apprenticeship levels and standards for their needs, and ensure programmes remain compliant, cost effective and impactful.
We’ve seen first-hand how apprenticeships can transform businesses, regularly hearing directly from employers about the benefits they bring. Local construction company Whitaker & Leach is just one example. Its Health & Safety Manager, Charlotte Sanderston, recently shared: “Having apprentices really helps our business. It upskills our workforce, and we would be lost without new talent coming through.”
And time and again, we see how they transform lives too, particularly for young people stepping into their first professional role. Sully, an apprentice at Bespoke Joinery Manufacturing Ltd in Bradford, shows how the right support and tailored training can unlock potential, progressing from initially struggling with complex instructions to passing his Level 2 Bench Joinery apprenticeship with practical work that impressed assessors and exceeded expectations.
My message to employers this NAW is simple: don’t step back. Lean in. With the right guidance, apprenticeships can still deliver exceptional value for both businesses and learners.
Find out how Calderdale College can help your business by emailing apprenticeships@calderdale.ac.uk or visiting the website.
