Skills England report highlights AI-driven labor shifts but faces criticism over reduced funding for advanced accounting apprenticeships.
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) endorsed Skills England’s 2026 report for addressing skills gaps and AI-driven workforce changes but criticized the removal of Level 7 apprenticeships in accounting and finance. The institute argued the cuts could hinder efforts to build a resilient, growth-focused skills system amid rising demand for financial expertise.
The report emphasized equipping workers for technological disruption and productivity challenges, aligning with CIMA’s push for stronger business-critical skills like management accounting. However, CIMA warned that defunding advanced apprenticeships risks limiting access to high-level training, particularly in sectors reliant on continuous upskilling.
CIMA’s UK and Europe vice-president called professional bodies vital for lifelong learning, stressing their role in helping businesses adapt to economic shifts. The debate underscores tensions between policy priorities and industry demands for specialized talent.