Training & development expert calls out Government decision to scrap funding for legal apprentices

New Government rulings have come into play that will shape the way legal apprentices access training and education in the legal field. The decision will scrap Level 7 funding for legal apprentices, except for 16–21 year olds and for those under 25 who are care leavers or have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) from January 2026.

A deeply disappointing decision

Lorna Bailey, Head of Learning and Development for Fletchers Solicitors, said:

“This is a deeply disappointing decision that will effectively close out a legal career for anyone over 25 without access to family or other wealth. Our graduates will be left with a law degree but no funding to qualify.”

Lorna continued: “Only 50 percent of Fletchers current solicitor apprentices (with no law degree) were under 21 when they started their apprenticeship. The other 50 percent were between 21-25 years old so would miss out on funding.”

The law risks returning to a middle class profession

She noted: “Funding up to age 21 leaves little time for an apprentice to gain any work experience in order to learn that law is the career for them before committing to a six-year apprenticeship following A-levels.”

“In shutting down a career path in the law for over 21-year-olds, the government’s commitment to breaking the class ceiling and giving opportunities to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds is step backwards. The law risks returning to a middle class profession.”

Learn more about Lorna Bailey and our legal training and development services here.

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