On Team Leader L3? The defunding doesn't affect you

What you may have heard

You may have seen news articles or had your line manager mention that the Team Leader Level 3 apprenticeship (the technical name is ST0384) was "withdrawn" or "defunded" from the apprenticeship register at the end of 2025. That's true, but the language is misleading if you're already on the programme.

"Defunded for new starts" means: from 1 January 2026, no employer can put a new apprentice onto Team Leader L3. Funding for new starts on that standard is no longer available.

"Defunded for existing apprentices" would mean your apprenticeship was cancelled. That's not happening. Existing apprentices complete on the standard they enrolled on, with full funding, EPA, and qualification.

What stays the same for you

What might be different around you (but doesn't affect you)

You might notice some things changing in your workplace or training. None of these affect your apprenticeship, but they might affect colleagues:

• Your company might be running new cohorts on a different apprenticeship. Most employers replacing Team Leader L3 are moving to AI for Team Leaders Level 4 for new starts. That's at a higher level and includes AI modules. Doesn't affect you.
• You might hear mentions of "the new programme". Same thing, that's about future new starts.
• Your line manager may ask about your progression after EPA. Some companies are offering existing TL L3 graduates the chance to progress directly to L4. That's a positive option, but optional.

Your indicative timeline (typical TL L3 apprentice on programme)

If you do want to progress to AI for Team Leaders L4 afterwards

This is optional, not required. Some TL L3 graduates choose to progress to AI for Team Leaders Level 4 (the new L4 standard) immediately after completing L3. Reasons people do:

• Deepen management skills at L4 with formal CMI L3 stretch qualification
• Add AI fluency that wasn't covered in the original ST0384
• Career progression, having both a L3 and L4 apprenticeship on your CV is a strong signal

If you're interested, prior-learning recognition typically reduces your L4 duration by 2-3 months. Talk to your line manager and skills coach.

What to do if you have concerns

If anything you've heard about the defunding has made you worry about your apprenticeship, please reach out, this stuff matters and we'd rather you have certainty than worry.

FAQ

I'm worried my employer might cancel my apprenticeship because of the defunding. Can they?

Cancelling an apprenticeship mid-programme is something employers can do (with proper process) but the apprenticeship-standard defunding doesn't compel them to. Existing apprentices remain fully funded. If you're getting signals that your apprenticeship might be cancelled, that's a separate conversation worth having with HR.

What if my EPA organisation withdraws from offering ST0384 EPA?

EPA organisations occasionally do this, but a transition plan is required, usually they continue to assess existing learners through to completion or transfer them to another EPA organisation. Your skills coach and TESS will manage this if it arises. You don't need to do anything yourself.

Will the CMI / ILM Level 3 qualification still mean something on my CV?

Absolutely yes. CMI Level 3 Management & Leadership and ILM Level 3 are recognised credentials regardless of how you earned them. Employers care about the qualification and your demonstrated skills, not the apprenticeship-standard reference number.

Should I rush to finish faster because of the defunding?

No. The funding for you is in place for the planned duration of your apprenticeship. Rushing tends to mean lower-quality portfolio work and a weaker EPA grade. Take the planned time and aim for a strong result.