Last Updated on 02/03/2026
The City of London has long relied on the work of its Livery Companies. The Livery Companies Apprenticeship Scheme (LCAS) continues to champion the value of vocational skills. Rooted in apprenticeship traditions dating back to the 12th century, the Scheme aligns this heritage with the needs of modern vocational and technical learning.
LCAS is a not-for-profit company created by the Livery Companies Skills Council to deliver and administer the Government’s Apprenticeship Pilot Scheme between 2012 and 2017. Today, LCAS provides specialist support to Livery Companies seeking to establish, fund or manage apprenticeship schemes.
LCAS combines tradition with new technologies to strengthen the Livery’s role in 21st-century skills development. It has achieved notable success, with completion and retention rates consistently exceeding national averages, helping ensure apprentices progress in their chosen crafts and professions. This strong track record has positioned LCAS well to adapt to more recent Government apprenticeship reforms.
The Scheme continues to expand its impact. LCAS not only supports Livery Companies in developing both government-funded and privately-funded apprenticeships, but also provides full management services for schemes where required. Its work includes facilitating specialist apprenticeships, such as bee-farming, stained glass practice, wheelwrighting and tailoring, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to sustaining rare and emerging skills.
