Preet Kaur Gill MP welcomes major skills boost from new ‘fast track’ apprenticeships reforms

Preet Kaur Gill MP has welcomed the government’s announcement of major reforms to fast-track apprenticeships that will help young people and existing employees get into high quality jobs faster. The reforms cut red tape so that updates to training or the development of new short courses can be approved in as little as three months, creating a quicker route into skilled work. 

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, Preet Kaur Gill MP also visited Costa apprentices to hear directly about opportunities for both current and new employees, underlining the importance of strong local employer engagement alongside national reforms.

The government’s accelerated approach aims to make apprenticeships more agile and responsive to evolving industry needs, helping to deliver the workforce required for major projects driving economic growth. 

The reforms include a pilot of a university style clearing system, which will redirect applicants who narrowly miss out on their top apprenticeship choice to similar opportunities in their area. New online data tools will also show earnings and progression outcomes so young people can compare apprenticeship options and choose paths that lead to lasting careers. 

Preet Kaur Gill MP said:

“Edgbaston’s future growth depends on getting more local people into good jobs with real prospects. These reforms will reduce bureaucracy so we can train people faster in industries where skills are most needed. I was pleased to visit Costa apprentices today to learn about the opportunities for existing and new employees showing how policy and practice come together to benefit our community.

“I will continue working with local partners, councils and employers to make sure young people and employees in Birmingham Edgbaston can fully benefit from these changes.”

The latest measures form part of a broader government effort to unlock opportunities across the country, improve access to apprenticeships and support young people into meaningful work. Including through a recent £725 million investment to pivot the system towards the workforce of the future.