TL;DR
16 apprenticeship standards are being defunded from September 2026, including Team Leader L3, Operations Manager L5, and Coaching Professional L5. New enrolments must be completed before the deadline. TESS Group offers AI-powered alternatives for all three defunded programmes we deliver. The Data-Driven Team Leader, AI for People Leaders, and AI for Operations Leaders are levy-funded replacements designed for the modern workplace. Act now to secure your cohort before September.
Which Apprenticeships Are Being Defunded?
From September 2026, the following 16 apprenticeship standards will be withdrawn from the register. No new enrolments will be accepted after the deadline.
Team Leader Level 3
Defunded Sept 2026
Operations Manager Level 5
Defunded Sept 2026
Coaching Professional Level 5
Defunded Sept 2026
Adult Care Worker Level 2
Business Advisor Level 4
Community Pharmacist Level 6
Customer Service Specialist Level 3
Digital Marketer Level 3
Early Years Educator Level 3
Facilities Management Supervisor Level 3
Hospitality Supervisor Level 3
Maintenance & Reliability Technician Level 3
Plant Operator Level 3
Facilities Manager Level 5
Health and Safety Specialist Level 6
Public Relations Officer Level 4
Deadline is September 2026
All new enrolments for defunded standards must be completed before the end of September 2026. Existing apprentices will be allowed to complete their programmes, but no new starts are permitted from October 2026 onwards.
Timeline: Key Dates You Need to Know
Understanding the timeline is critical. Here's what's happening and when.
Now (April 2026)
Final opportunity to enrol learners on defunded standards. Employers and providers should have recruitment conversations immediately. Every week counts.
June 2026
Realistic final enrolment deadline. To allow time for apprenticeship agreements and learning plans to be completed before September, new enrolments need to happen by June at the latest.
September 2026
Official defunding date. The 16 standards are withdrawn from the register. No new enrolments accepted. Existing apprentices continue their programmes to completion.
2026-2027
All learners enrolled before September finish their programmes as normal. Apprenticeship levy continues to be available to fund replacement standards.
TESS Group Replacement Programmes
TESS Group delivers AI-powered replacements for the three defunded standards in our portfolio. These are not scaled-down alternatives, they are designed to equip leaders with the data and AI literacy that the modern workplace demands.
LEVEL 3
Data-Driven Team Leader
Replaces Team Leader L3. Combines CMI Level 3 Team Leader qualification with data analysis, Power BI, and AI literacy.
Duration
13 months
Funding
£13,000 levy-funded
Sector
All sectors
Qualifications awarded: CMI Level 3 Team Leader Award, NCFE Certificate in Data, Data Technician Certificate (ST0795)
View Programme →
LEVEL 4
AI for People Leaders
Upgrade for Team Leader L3. Adds AI prompt mastery, advanced data storytelling, and strategic people leadership.
Duration
18 months
Funding
£18,000 levy-funded
Sector
All sectors
Qualifications awarded: CMI Level 3 Team Leader Award, NCFE Certificate in Data, AI Prompt Mastery Certificate
View Programme →
LEVEL 4
AI for Operations Leaders
Replaces Operations Manager L5. Combines CMI Level 5 operations leadership with advanced data analytics and AI implementation.
Duration
15 months
Funding
£18,000 levy-funded
Sector
Manufacturing, logistics, operations
Qualifications awarded: CMI Level 5 Award in Operations/Departmental Manager, NCFE Certificates (x3 in data, leadership, operations)
View Programme →
Funding Comparison: Old vs New
The replacement programmes offer better funding bands and more comprehensive qualifications. Here's the financial picture.
| Standard |
Old Funding Band |
Replacement Programme |
New Funding Band |
| Team Leader L3 (Defunded Sept 2026) |
£5,000 |
Data-Driven Team Leader L3 |
£13,000 |
|
£5,000 |
AI for People Leaders L4 |
£18,000 |
| Operations Manager L5 (Defunded Sept 2026) |
£9,000 |
AI for Operations Leaders L4 |
£18,000 |
Maximize your levy investment
The higher funding bands mean more comprehensive learning, more qualifications, and a better return on your levy spend. You're not just replacing a defunded standard, you're upgrading your leadership development strategy.
Book a Free Discovery Call
Need Help Planning Your Next Steps?
TESS Group's apprenticeship specialists can review your current Team Leader, Operations Manager, and Coaching Professional cohorts and recommend the best replacement pathway for your organisation. We'll help you act before the September deadline.
Book Your Free Discovery Call
Further Reading: Defunding & Solutions
We've written extensively on the defunding changes and how to respond. These resources will help you understand the landscape and plan ahead.
About Rod Doyle, Director
RD
Rod Doyle
Director, TESS Group
Rod is Director of TESS Group and leads the strategic response to apprenticeship defunding. He advises employers on levy maximisation, apprenticeship funding changes, and replacement pathways for withdrawn standards. Rod has worked with 100+ organisations to plan their transition to AI-powered apprenticeships and is a regular speaker on the future of apprenticeship funding.