Retail employers are being encouraged to review their apprenticeship and workforce development plans now, as changes to government apprenticeship funding are set to reshape the training landscape later this year.
With 16 apprenticeship standards due to be removed from government funding before the end of 2026, businesses that delay their training decisions could miss valuable opportunities to maximise apprenticeship levy funding and invest in their workforce.
While several leadership and management apprenticeship standards are being withdrawn, apprenticeships in technical and occupational skills, including those supporting garment production, textiles and product development, continue to play a vital role in helping businesses address skills shortages and build future talent.
A changing apprenticeship landscape
The government’s latest reforms will see a number of higher-level management programmes phased out, including the Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor, Level 5 Operations or Departmental Manager and the Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship.
The changes are intended to focus investment on areas of national skills need, placing greater emphasis on technical skills and entry-level training.
For fashion retail businesses, this presents an opportunity to reassess where apprenticeship investment can have the greatest impact.
Rather than focusing solely on management development, employers can use apprenticeship funding to strengthen technical capabilities alongside sales – across design, garment technology, manufacturing, production and product development in skills that remain in high demand throughout the UK fashion and textile industry.
Supporting fashion employers with specialist apprenticeships
The Fashion Technology Academy (FTA), part of Fashion-Enter Ltd, works closely with fashion and retail businesses to deliver industry-specific apprenticeships that develop practical, job-ready skills while supporting business growth.
From emerging brands to established manufacturers and retailers, the FTA helps employers recruit new talent or upskill existing employees through apprenticeship programmes tailored to the needs of the sector.
With extensive experience across garment manufacturing, product development and fashion production, the FTA provides employers with guidance throughout the apprenticeship journey, from identifying suitable programmes and accessing available funding to supporting apprentices and their managers throughout the training process.
Making the most of apprenticeship funding
For levy-paying employers, apprenticeship funding represents a significant opportunity to invest in workforce development. Non-levy employers can also benefit, with government funding covering the majority of training costs for eligible apprenticeships.
Alongside apprenticeship funding, government incentives continue to encourage employers to recruit new talent, helping businesses develop the skilled workforce needed to remain competitive in an evolving industry.
With skills shortages continuing across garment manufacturing and technical roles, apprenticeships offer a practical route to developing talent while preserving specialist knowledge within the UK fashion supply chain.
Don’t miss the opportunity
Although the apprenticeship funding reforms will affect a number of management standards, there is still time for employers to review their training plans and make informed decisions before the changes take effect.
For fashion businesses, now is an ideal time to explore how specialist apprenticeships can support recruitment, succession planning and workforce development.
The Fashion Technology Academy is encouraging employers to review their current skills needs and discuss how apprenticeship programmes can help build resilient, future-ready teams. Whether recruiting new apprentices or upskilling existing employees, acting early will ensure businesses are well placed to make the most of the funding opportunities that remain available while continuing to invest in the next generation of fashion talent.