Message from Katharine

Some major DfE Apprenticeship announcements this week to digest, outlined in this issue… though I am sure many of you have seen and already begun to evaluate the impacts!

While the updates offer future opportunities through incentives and new releases of App Units, Foundation Apps and the L2 Admin Apprenticeship, we will have to think quickly, as a network on how to alternatively support employers with their continued demand for Leadership and Management training, post defunding of Team Leader, Operations Manager, and Chartered Manager Apprenticeships when we appear to have no alternative funded replacement as yet in the pipeline. Plus, the impact of not being able to fund the development of our own staff and others with the Learning and Skills Mentor & Assessor Apps… Don’t get me started!!

I know that the announcement around defunding may affect some more than others. I hope no one is detrimentally affected, but I urge you to follow the appeals process where this may be the case, and REMEMBER to use the network you have here to make connections for support.

AELP will focus on these App announcements at our meeting next week on the 25th, given their significance.

Together, we will adapt, as we always do, working closely with wider stakeholders to ensure support is still available to our businesses and learners!

Digital Essex Device Donations:
Please share this flyer with your employer networks to support ECC in tackling the digital divide, and review any donations you may be able to offer.

Devices are being distributed via local CVS services, should members’ learners wish to apply.

FREE Apprenticeship Workforce Development:
These live online CPD sessions are free to attend and fully funded by the Department for Education (DfE).
Upcoming sessions include:

• 26th March – Tackling understanding and commitment from the apprentice and line manager.
• 31st March – Building effective employer partnerships for apprenticeship success.

PREVENT: DfE/DSIT Kids Online Safety Campaign:
DfE have launched  ‘Kids online safety’, a new website created in conjunction with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and their media literacy campaign.

This is a fantastic new resource you might want to signpost to parents/carers of children in your setting.

Aim: To support families and encourage regular conversations about what they’re seeing online, asking simple questions, like “who shared this” and “why?”

Designed: To meet the needs of parents and carers by providing a trusted place for content that gives:

• conversation tips to have with children about online safety
• actions to help you support each stage of a child’s life online
• parental controls information
• support and reporting information for various risks, harms and issues

Providing: clear information which recognises the challenges and fast-changing nature of the online digital world, and it will also signpost to trusted resources from charities and 3rd parties, where parents and carers can get other forms of support (like speaking to an expert).
The campaign has been developed with expert organisations, including Parent Zone and Internet Matters.

Safeguarding: Free resources and key updates from ECP:

• Free Briefing: KCSiE 2026 Consultation – What FE settings need to know.

ECP has published a free, easy‑to‑digest briefing summarising the key points from the KCSiE 2026 consultation. This resource is ideal for DSLs, managers, and anyone wishing to stay alert to proposed safeguarding changes for the year ahead.

• Open Course Programme: Book now for the summer term

ECP’s advanced-level training, including Designated Safeguarding Lead and Safer Recruitment, are now available. Secure your place early to meet your safeguarding requirements.

• New Course: AI Risks Uncovered

Build confidence in navigating AI‑related online risks with our focused 1‑hour CPD‑accredited course, designed to help professionals understand emerging threats such as deepfakes, voice cloning, nudification apps, and AI‑driven manipulation. This session strengthens digital literacy, sharpens awareness of early warning signs, and equips participants with practical safeguarding strategies to support service users in an increasingly AI‑integrated world. Let your team stay informed, prepared, and proactive.

• Free Resource: Responding to Indecent Images Being Shared – Checklist

This practical checklist supports staff and leaders in managing concerns where indecent images are being created or shared. It provides clear guidance on immediate actions, decision‑making, and safeguarding considerations.

Summer jobs in Southend
Great opportunity for some of your students, potentially?

Recruitment is already underway for seasonal jobs in Southend, with the council advertising for Resort Activities Assistants to work on either the foreshore or the pier.

Find job descriptions and apply for these or other jobs with Southend Council here: Job Listings at Southend-on-Sea City Council.

The closing date: Monday 6th April

Essex Growth Agency – Funding News Bulletin 13/03/26
Last week’s bulletin highlights a diverse mix of opportunities supporting agrifood innovation, clean growth, advanced materials, AI, community impact and maritime decarbonisation.

View bulletin here.

New Level 2 Apprenticeship (16–24 Only)

The long‑awaited Level 2 Administration Assistant apprenticeship has been approved, with starts expected from August 2026 and a £4,000 funding band. The programme will be restricted to learners aged 16–24, aligning with government plans to refocus apprenticeships on young people. The standard follows six years of employer lobbying to address rising NEET numbers. To read more, please click here.

New Apprenticeship Units

Seven new short apprenticeship units have been launched to help employers respond quickly to emerging skills needs. The units cover mechanised welding, AI leadership, EV charging installation, electrical and mechanical fitting, modular building assembly, and solar PV installation. These flexible options aim to boost workforce capability in fast‑growing technical areas. Click here to read more.

Post-16 Pathways

Watch a short two and a half minutes film that helps to explain the important changes to post-16 pathways that are being rolled out, including the introduction of new V Levels. We hope that this film helps to bring some clarity. To watch, please click here.

Apprenticeship Standards Defunded 

16 apprenticeship standards, including popular management programmes, are set to lose funding as part of a government shift toward supporting young people and priority industries. Defunding is expected from September 2026, though providers not currently delivering these standards will be unable to start new cohorts immediately. Please click here to read more.

New Foundation Apprenticeships

Two new foundation apprenticeships in retail and hospitality will launch in April 2026 for learners aged 16–21. Employers will receive a £2,000 incentive for each young person they support. These entry-level pathways build on existing foundation apprenticeships in engineering, manufacturing and digital, helping young people transition into sustained employment. Please find out more here.

Youth Jobs Grants

The government has expanded its youth employment offer, including extending the Jobs Guarantee to 18–24 year olds to create 35,000 subsidised roles. Employers will receive a £3,000 Jobs Grant for hiring young people on Universal Credit for six months or more. A £2,000 SME Apprenticeship Incentive aims to generate 50,000 apprenticeships. 

Hidden NEETs

Youth Futures Foundation has published a ‘Hidden NEETs’ report, which highlights that around half of NEET young people aged 18–24 (an estimated 486,000) are ‘hidden’, meaning they receive no benefits and are not in education. The report warns that invisibility limits access to statutory employment support. To read the report, please click here.