Ministers insist no decisions have been made “yet” on streamlining England’s suite of apprenticeships, as employer anxiety grows over potential cuts to popular management courses and industry progression routes amid mounting budget pressure. Skills England and officials at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) held a series of meetings with businesses before Christmas to discuss a review of the more than 700 apprenticeship standards currently available. Several attendees told FE Week they left with a “real fear” that ministers would strip away employer choice by removing programmes that are not directly linked to government priorities. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week subscribe This article is for members only. Get full access to premium journalism, exclusive content, and early access to key stories — all for £75 per year.