Mon, 08 Dec 2025

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 50,000 new apprenticeships promised in youth employment push

Funding will be used to help employ young people in sectors including AI, hospitality and engineering.

* The government has launched an expansion of youth apprenticeships, increasing the number of available places to 50,000 over the next three years.
* This move aims to tackle unemployment among young people, with nearly a million 16-24-year-olds not in work or learning.
* The expansion includes removing the 5% levy on apprentices for under-25s and introducing new apprenticeships in AI, hospitality, and engineering.
* Chancellor Rachel Reeves has earmarked £725m over three years for the scheme, with short courses available from spring next year.
* A pilot programme allowing mayors to connect young people with local employers will receive £140m of funding.
* Critics argue that the 25 age limit for youth apprenticeships is too restrictive, and that disabled graduates are particularly affected.
* Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith said the focus was on reforming the apprenticeship system to put right a 40% reduction in young people starting apprenticeships over the last decade.
* Larger companies have expressed concerns that changes to the levy will make it less efficient.
* The expansion has been welcomed by some employers, including Travis Perkins.
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