Apprenticeship shake-up to shift focus to under-21s

The government is promising more training for people aged 21 and under in England, as it presses ahead with controversial plans to scrap funding for postgraduate apprenticeships.

Only 16 to 21-year-olds will qualify for funding for level 7 apprenticeships – the highest level, considered equivalent to a master's degree - under the plans confirmed on Tuesday.

This means many higher apprenticeships would have to be completely paid for by employers.

The Conservatives have previously described the proposals as a disaster which could undermine advanced NHS training.

"I've always been a shy kid growing up, so it takes a while for my confidence to grow.

"But with this apprenticeship, it gets me out of my comfort zone, it gets me talking to customers, and I've made some good relationships with them."

She said she dreams of working abroad in a hotel, either as a receptionist or restaurant staff, or on a cruise ship - "anything that let's me see the world", she says.

Isabel Hunt, 19, said she did not remember much talk of apprenticeships when she was at school, and felt like pupils were pushed towards college or university instead.

She recently progressed to a level 3 hospitality apprenticeship at Leeds City College, and is working towards retaking her maths GCSE.

"It gives you so many opportunities," she says.

"You're getting the experience and learning on the job."

She says she is keeping her options open but wants to stay in the hospitality industry going forward.

Additional reporting by Rahib Khan.