Withdrawal of Government Funding for Level 7 Apprenticeships

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The recent announcement that government funding for Level 7 apprenticeships will be withdrawn from January 2026 is a significant setback for skills development in critical sectors, including ecology and environmental management.

CIEEM is deeply disappointed by this decision, which effectively jeopardises the future of the Level 7 Ecologist apprenticeship – a programme developed collaboratively with employers to address growing skills shortages in an area of national and global importance.

While we welcome the government’s continued support for lower-level apprenticeships and recognise the value of providing accessible vocational pathways (which is why we’ve been working with employers on a Level 4 Assistant Ecologist apprenticeship), we believe a balanced approach is essential. Skills development should not be limited to entry-level roles. Lifelong learning and progression opportunities are vital to ensuring the UK workforce can meet complex challenges such as the climate and biodiversity crises.

The ecology and environmental management sector requires advanced technical expertise to deliver on national priorities, including nature recovery, environmental land management and climate adaptation. The removal of funding for higher-level training risks creating a gap in leadership and specialist capability, precisely when the need for such skills is increasing.

We urge the government to reconsider this policy and explore targeted exemptions or ring-fenced funding for apprenticeships in critical skills shortage areas, including environmental professions. Supporting upskilling at all levels will help secure a resilient, future-ready workforce that can deliver for both people and the planet.

We remain committed to working with employers, training providers and government to ensure that apprenticeship pathways at all levels remain a robust and inclusive route into meaningful employment in our sector. Apprenticeships are a critical element in our drive to diversify the sector and promote social mobility.