Why the Education Sector Needs Apprentices in 2026
The education sector is under pressure. Tight budget, rising recruitment costs and growing skills shortages are making workforce planning more challenging than ever. In 2026, apprenticeships present a practical and cost-effective solution for schools, colleges and multi academy trusts looking to strengthen their teams while managing spend.
Apprenticeships Are a Cost-Effective Solution for Schools
Across the UK, there are growing skill shortages in digital, IT, data and administrative roles, across areas that education settings rely on daily. Many smaller organisations, including schools and academies, struggle to compete with private sector salaries or afford specialist training.
Education sector apprenticeships offer a structured and affordable way to fill gaps. Rather than paying agency fees or absorbing high recruitment costs, schools can develop talent directly within their organisation. Apprenticeships provide hands on learning aligned to real operational needs, making them a practical workforce investment rather than an additional expense.
Funding Changes Make Hiring Apprentices Easier
Recent and upcoming apprenticeship levy changes in 2026 are making apprenticeships even more accessible.
From 2026, the government will fully cover apprenticeship training costs for SMEs hiring apprentices under 25, removing previous co-investment requirements. This significantly reduces financial barriers for smaller schools and education providers.
In addition, since August 2025, the minimum duration of apprenticeships will reduce to eight months, offering greater flexibility for education environments where staffing needs can change quickly.
Together, these changes make education apprenticeships funding simpler and more attractive ever.
How Schools and Colleges Can Use Levy or Transfers
Large education organisations (including MATs, colleges, and councils) contribute 0.5% of their payroll into the apprenticeship levy. However, levy funding expires after 24 months if not used, and this will reduce to 12 months in August 2026. Since 2019, more than 3.5bn in unsaved levy funding has expired nationally.
This creates a clear opportunity.
Large levy paying education employers can use their fund to develop internal talent or transfer up to 25% of unused levy to smaller schools within their network.
Smaller schools that do not pay the levy can access 100% of apprenticeship training costs through these levy transfers removing financial barriers altogether.
Roles Apprentices Can Support in Education
Apprenticeships in education can strengthen a wide range of operational areas, including:
- IT support and first line technicians
- Data technicians and analysts
- Marketing and content creation
- Administration and operations
These roles align closely with high demand and operational skill areas where many schools face shortages.
Why Apprenticeships Improve Stability and Retention
Apprenticeships for schools are not just about filling vacancies; they are about building long term stability.
Developing internal talent improves retention, strengthens progression pathways and reduces reliance on costly recruitment. Levy paying employers can also use their funds to upskill existing staff, with training costs covered in full.
In 2026 and beyond, apprentices in education represent more than a funding opportunity, they are a strategic workforce solution.
