‘A backwards step for architecture’, RIBA reacts to government’s decision to defund Level 7 apprenticeships for over 21s

RIBA’s President, Muyiwa Oki, responds to DfE’s reforms announced on 27 May 2025 that funding Level 7 (masters level) apprenticeships will cease from January 2026 for all but those aged 16 to 21, or who are on existing apprenticeship schemes. The levy funding for Level 7 will instead be diverted to lower level apprenticeships.

RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki said:

“While we welcome the emphasis on wider skills development, the decision to refocus funding away from Level 7 apprenticeships is a misguided and backwards step that will reduce access to a flexible, accessible, and inclusive route into the architecture profession.

This arbitrary age cut off will negatively impact the number of architecture apprentices, at both Level 7 and likely Level 6, and will ultimately have the opposite effect of the government’s intention to get more young people into apprenticeships.

We’ve worked closely with the government and parliamentarians to promote the value of Level 7 architecture apprenticeships, but our work is not over; we continue to advocate for architecture apprenticeships and the value they bring to the profession and society.”

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Notes to editors:

1. Media contact: Nancy.Ludwig@riba.org
2. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on X/Twitter for regular updates.
3. Level 7 Architecture Apprenticeships: To be accepted into a Level 7 architecture apprenticeship applicants need either an undergraduate degree or a four year Level 6 architecture apprenticeship and, while students who leave school, proceed straight to a three year undergraduate degree and then onto a Level 7 apprenticeship could qualify for funding, others will not. Those who have started a Level 6 architecture apprenticeship straight from school at 18 years old, would also be ineligible for funding, as it is likely they would be starting their Level 7 apprenticeship at the age of 22.