“We can train people faster where they’re needed most,” said Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead, as ministers set out a fast‑track route to update apprenticeships for live projects. Approval sign‑offs could fall from 18 months to as little as three. (gov.uk)

APCL’s David McGinley called apprentices “the lifeblood” of the yard, praising a programme that keeps Merseyside skills flowing into shipbuilding and repair. (gov.uk)

Ministers say new short courses and rapid revisions to standards will be turned round within months by occupational experts - crucial for offshore wind, modern shipbuilding and post‑Grenfell construction changes. A new service will back investors delivering big builds. (gov.uk)

That includes Northern Powerhouse Rail and energetic‑materials plants for defence - where the aim is clear: local people stepping into well‑paid jobs on northern projects. (gov.uk)

This push builds on December’s £725m Growth and Skills Levy reforms to create 50,000 extra apprenticeships, with flexible short courses rolling out from April 2026. (gov.uk)

National Apprenticeship Week runs Monday 9 to Sunday 15 February 2026 under the “Skills for Life” theme - timely cover for employers lining up starts. (apprenticeships.gov.uk)

On the Wirral, The Engineering College next door to the yard trains more than 100 apprentices a year, feeding welders, fitters and project roles into local industry. (theengineeringcollege.co.uk)

One example already in motion: the first new Mersey Ferry in 60 years is taking shape at Cammell Laird, with 25 apprentices expected to put in 17,000 hours. (merseytravel.gov.uk)

National employers are signalling appetite. BAE Systems has 5,100 apprentices in learning, while Hinkley Point C counts 1,700 trained so far - evidence of demand for faster, targeted pathways. (gov.uk)

Policy has been moving this way for a year. From 2025, firms could take on over‑19 apprentices without compulsory GCSE English and maths, with shorter eight‑month options piloted to tackle a long slide in starts. (ft.com)

For SMEs across the Liverpool City Region, levy changes cover full training costs for eligible under‑25s, and mayoral pilots will link young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) to placements - practical help to fill vacancies. (gov.uk)

Officials are asking employers and colleges to shape the changes with Skills England. A live schedule shows which standards are currently being revised through 2026. (gov.uk)