{
    "title": "PRCA highlights opportunities in new apprenticeship funding rules",
    "modified_at": "2026-04-16 13:10:04",
    "published_at": "2026-04-16 13:10:00",
    "url": "https://prca-uk.prezly.com/prca-highlights-opportunities-in-new-apprenticeship-funding-rules",
    "short_url": "http://prez.ly/qwCd",
    "culture": "en_GB",
    "language": "EN",
    "slug": "prca-highlights-opportunities-in-new-apprenticeship-funding-rules",
    "body": "<p>The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has welcomed the government&rsquo;s <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-unit-funding-rules-2026-to-2027\">2026/27 apprenticeship funding changes</a>, highlighting key opportunities for employers and young people entering the communications industry.</p><p><strong>Key points:</strong></p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Part of a wider &pound;2.5bn, three-year investment supporting nearly one million young people </span></li><li><span>Up to 500,000 &ldquo;earn or learn&rdquo; opportunities and 50,000 additional apprenticeships </span></li><li><span>From October 2026: &pound;2,000 incentive for SMEs hiring apprentices aged 16&ndash;24 </span></li><li><span>Continued benefits: no National Insurance for under-25s and full training costs for eligible apprentices </span></li><li><span>From August 2026: tighter levy rules, including a 12-month expiry and increased employer contributions once funds are used</span></li></ul><p>The <a href=\"https://www.prca.global/explore-pr/apprenticeships\">PRCA Apprenticeships programme</a> will continue to support employers and learners, ensuring the communications sector can fully benefit from the opportunities these reforms present.</p><p>Georgia Elston, PRCA Head of Apprenticeships, said:</p><p>&ldquo;Following the announcement of the 26/27 apprenticeship funding rule changes, employers will now have clearer incentives and support to take on apprentices, helping them develop a skilled workforce for the future. At the same time, these changes make apprenticeships more accessible and rewarding for young people entering the job market.</p><p>&ldquo;If you&rsquo;re a director looking to expand your workforce and bring in new talent, please get in touch. Similarly if you know a young person looking to develop a career in communications, please signpost them our way.&rdquo;</p><p> </p><p>&nbsp;</p>",
    "header": {
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    },
    "author": {
        "first_name": "Gabriela Weiss",
        "last_name": "Clarke"
    },
    "format_version": 5
}