Listen to this story Upgrade to premium to listen to this article Subscribe Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 Starts on level 7 apprenticeships rocketed 345 per cent in the final two months before funding was switched off for people aged over 21 – amounting to nearly 10,000 more than the previous year, new figures reveal. Ministers controversially axed funding for the master’s level apprenticeships from this January in a bid to divert resources away from executive training and towards opportunities for dwindling numbers of younger apprentices. Stats released on Thursday covered apprenticeship starts for the first two quarters of this academic year, August 2025 to January 2026. 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.