DWP Takes Over Apprenticeships and Adult Skills from DfE

Responsibility for apprenticeships and adult skills training has moved from the Department for Education - GOV.UK to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). 

The change, announced in a ministerial written statement by prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, came into effect on September 16th, 2025. 

It sees the newly created Skills England, which officially replaced IfATE (the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education) in June 2025, become part of the DWP.  

Responsibility for higher education, further education, skills, training and careers for under 19s will remain with the DfE. 

This move follows on from the PM’s recent cabinet reshuffle which saw minister Pat McFadden appointed Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. Mr McFadden has pledged to help more young people come off benefits and get into work by expanding access to training courses. 

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith will serve jointly across both the DWP and DfE. In a LinkedIn post she said: 

 I’m very proud to have been reappointed as Minister for Skills. I’ll be working in DWP on the skills elements of my role and very pleased to be able to link up this work to Labour market and employment policy and put it at the heart of our Growth mission. I’ll also be continuing my work on FE and HE in DfE. In addition, I’m also Minister for Women and Equalities. That’ll all be keeping me properly busy and I’m really looking forward to it.  

To read the prime minister’s full written statement click here.