Following changes announced by the government that came into effect on 1st October, and earlier changes to the system announced in August, apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly attractive option for SMEs looking to develop their own workforce. Full details of the changes are published in a new document, ‘An Employer’s Guide to Apprenticeships for the Fenestration, Glass and Glazing Industry ’, published by Building Our Skills in association with key partner and apprenticeship specialists GFTS Limited.
GFTS is the leading provider of Fenestration, Glass and Glazing apprenticeships in the industry with over 75% market share for Fabricator, Installer and Curtain Wall apprenticeships. They also provide a wide range of administration and site apprenticeships covering other key business areas.
The changes to the apprenticeship system announced by the government include
· From 1st August 2026, apprenticeships can now be achieved in as little as 8 months, meaning qualified staff will be available to contribute fully in the workplace faster than previously.
· From 1st August, Non-Levy payers can claim 100% funding for apprentices between the ages of 18 and 24, and contribute only 5% towards the cost of an apprenticeship for those over the age of 25
· From 1st October Non Levy paying companies can claim a £2,000 incentive grant from the government
Since the publication of the new rules, Business and Quality Manager for GFTS Ltd, Sam Tinker is offering one-to-one support for any business thinking about apprenticeships for the first time. She and her team are on hand to talk through what an apprenticeship is, how it works, what it costs and what an employer’s obligations and responsibilities are.
She believes the changes to the rules are especially positive and says ‘the new measures announced in October, following on from those in August are excellent and really do incentivise employers to look at the apprenticeship route for bringing young people into their businesses. I know from experience that there is often uncertainty about what an apprenticeship is, or is not, and about what’s involved, but we can help employers to cut through all of that – from a basic overview all the way through to recruitment of apprentices and managing their programmes’
‘Apprenticeships are open to both levy payers and non-levy payers, with different incentives and opportunities for each. The changes announced from 1st October that allow non-levy payers to access 100% funding for apprentices 16-24 years old plus a £2,000 incentive grant make this route especially attractive for those companies looking to future-proof their own workforce’. To view the full brochure, click here https://buildingourskills.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Apprenticeships-for-the-Fenestration-Glass-and-Glazing-industry.pdf. Or contact Sam directly by email [email protected] Alternately contact Building Our Skills [email protected]
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