The Chancellor announced as part of the Autumn Budget that funding for apprenticeships training for under-25s will be free for SME businesses.
The majority of NFU members are SME businesses and, under current rules, pay 5% towards the cost of training and assessing an apprentice.
Although the saving is relatively modest, it will help businesses to better support the next generation of farmers and farm workers.
Apprenticeships offer ‘vital support’
“The government’s £1.5 billion commitment to skills and apprenticeships, including fully funded SME apprenticeships for eligible young people, is a positive step for farming.”
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos reacted to the news: “The government’s £1.5 billion commitment to skills and apprenticeships, including fully funded SME apprenticeships for eligible young people, is a positive step for farming.”
“However, we are disappointed by the lack of detail on when funded short courses will be available to agriculture and horticulture businesses, and whether they will be offered on the same basis as other sectors in the government’s Industrial Strategy.”
At present, it appears that funded short course are restricted to the Industrial Strategy 8 sectors.
“We know this is a priority for Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle, which is why clarity is essential,” Rachel added.
“Apprenticeships inspire the next generation, offering good jobs, clear career pathways and the flexibility to match different ambitions. For family farms, they provide vital support to future proof businesses and bring fresh energy into the sector, helping strengthen rural communities and secure the skilled workforce our industry needs.”
What else was announced in the Autumn Budget?
Explore our links below to find out what else was announced for farming.
