Apprenticeship Support Programme 2026

We will continue to support councils to maximise the value of their apprenticeship levy, ensuring funding is used effectively to develop skills, strengthen workforce capacity and deliver long-term impact.

This programme provides a structured package of support to help councils strengthen their approach to early careers, develop apprenticeship pathways and build workforce capability.

Find out more about some of the key elements of our 2026 programme below.

1. Insight and evidence

• Delivery of a Health Check Survey analysis, identifying key themes, challenges and opportunities across councils 
• Insight summaries to help councils benchmark progress and inform local workforce planning. 

2. Webinar offer

• A series of interactive webinars (90 minutes) focused on priority topics, designed to provide practical guidance and share best practice 
• Apprenticeship reset training workshops to support councils in refining or relaunching their apprenticeship approach 
• Development of bite-sized video content (“need to know” sessions) to support flexible, on-demand learning for council officers.

3. Tools, guidance and resources

• Creation of practical guidance materials to support implementation (e.g. apprenticeship funding, programme design) 
• Development of apprenticeship pathways aligned to key skills needs in local government 
• Exploration of a digital mapping resource to help councils understand skills gaps and future workforce needs 
• Review and refresh of existing resources (e.g. knowledge hubs), ensuring councils have access to up-to-date, relevant materials 

4. Engagement and communications

• Skills, Apprenticeship and early careers newsletter series to share updates, good practice and opportunities 

6. Commercial offer

• Apprenticeship MOT to support ongoing improvement beyond the programme 

To find out more about the 2026 Apprenticeship support programme please contact [email protected]