As expected, version 2 of the 2026/2027 apprenticeship Funding Rules have now been published.

You can download version 2 of the main rules document HERE and the summary of changes HERE.

We are just working though final checks against the new rules and we will be issuing the UVAC document suite from tomorrow.

Three notable points are included in the V2 update:

• DWP have confirmed that the subcontracting review taking place in July / August will involve sector representative bodies. The Department state that the review will conclude by September 2026, but that the changes will come into effect from 2027.
• There has also been further clarification regarding our ‘Level 7 non-mandatory unit or qualification must not be used to deliver the content of a Level 6 standard’ issue. The Rules now say that DWP is ‘working with Skills England to ensure that the content of each standard is clear with regards to mandatory / non mandatory qualifications’.
• In better news this version of the rules removes the requirement for employer co-investment collection and recording on the ILR in order for the completion payment to be released. This decoupling of the employer contribution and DWP payment process is very welcome- but to note that the evidence of payment still needs to be collected.

So as we begin the year if you want to have a clear and coherent overview of what is in and out of a fundable apprenticeship for 2026/2027 – as far as we can see at this point – join UVAC’s Associate Director, Rebecca Rhodes on 5^th August at 9.30 -11.30 for our ‘final’ funding rules overview session.

REGISTER

If you have any queries about Version 2 contact Rebecca at [email protected]