Government promises 50,000 new apprenticeships in youth employment push

"The 725 million package, which was earmarked in the Budget and covers the next three years, will be used to create apprenticeships in sectors including AI, hospitality and engineering. Apprenticeships for people under the age of 25 at small and medium-sized businesses will be fully funded as part of the package, removing the 5% that they currently have to pay. The government is aiming to reverse a decline in the number of young people starting apprenticeships, which has fallen by almost 40% in the past decade."

"The funding also includes 140m for a pilot that the Department for Work and Pensions says will allow local mayors to connect young people with employers and apprenticeship opportunities, although it is unclear exactly how the money will be used. A programme of short courses in areas including AI, engineering and digital skills will also be offered from Spring next year, which the government says will be done in collaboration with the defence sector."

""For too long, success has been measured by how many young people go to university," the prime minister said. "That narrow view has held back opportunity and created barriers we need to break." The government has expressed concern at the growing number of people being classified as Neets, which refers to 16 to 24-year-olds not in employment, education or training. This has been trending upwards since 2021, with the latest figures showing nearly a million young people are now neither earning or learning."

A 725 million, three-year package will fund apprenticeships across sectors including AI, hospitality and engineering and aims to benefit about 50,000 young people. Small and medium-sized businesses will have apprenticeships for under-25s fully funded, removing the current 5% employer contribution. The package seeks to reverse a near 40% decade-long fall in apprenticeship starts. The funding includes 140m for a pilot to let local mayors connect young people with employers, plus a programme of short courses in AI, engineering and digital skills delivered with defence-sector collaboration. Nearly a million 16- to 24-year-olds are currently classified as Neets.

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