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Apprenticeship Funding Changes: What Employers Need to Know

April 1, 2026

Following recent communication from the DfE, a number of apprenticeship standards will lose funding from September 2026. Among those affected are two of the most popular leadership and management programmes in our sector: the Operations Manager (Level 5) and Team Leader (Level 3) apprenticeships. A cap on new starts is also in place during the transition period.

This is disappointing news. Both programmes have been highly sought after by employers across print, packaging and signage, and have delivered strong outcomes for individuals and businesses alike. We wanted to set out clearly what this means in practice, and what options remain available.

Current availability

We have already filled all available spaces on the Operations Manager (Level 5) on the Team Leader (Level 3) apprenticeship within the permitted cap.

If you wish to be added to a waiting list, or would like to get in touch regarding another one of our courses then please get in touch.

Alternative development pathways

We continue to offer a strong range of programmes supporting leadership and operational development:

  • Process Leader Apprenticeship – ideal for developing operational leadership within production environments
  • Supply Chain Practitioner/Management Apprenticeships – supporting end-to-end operational and logistics capability
  • Level 3 and Level 5 NVQs in Leadership and Management – flexible, work-based development options

More information on all of our courses can be found here.

Interested in having a conversation or making an enquiry? Complete this online form, email us at [email protected] or call us on 01676 526060.

Looking ahead

We are closely monitoring wider developments in the apprenticeship landscape, including the introduction of new Apprenticeship Units. One area we are particularly focused on is the emerging emphasis on AI leadership and digital capability – something we expect will become increasingly relevant for employers across our sector in the coming years.

All existing apprentices will continue as planned, with no change to their programme or funding.

“While these changes are disappointing, our focus remains on supporting employers with high-quality, relevant training that meets the needs of the industry. We are actively reviewing new opportunities, including emerging areas such as AI leadership, to ensure we continue to offer forward-looking development pathways.”Karly Lattimore, Managing Director, BPIF Training

 

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