Government’s apprenticeship scheme employs just 160 people as almost 1million young people are out of work

THE Government’s flagship apprenticeship scheme to tackle youth unemployment has enrolled only 160 young people in its first eight months. Labour announced “radical skills reforms” last year, which included plans to get thousands of young people signed up for foundation apprenticeships. These apprenticeships are entry-level, paid jobs with structured training which are mostly available for 16 to 21-year-olds. The Government has said it wants to get 30,000 young people signed up by the end of this parliament. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! But a report by left-leaning think tank Fabian Society has found the scheme is currently well under its target. There were only 160 people who started a foundation apprenticeship between August 2025 and April this year. About 308,000 people have enrolled into an apprenticeship of any kind in England in the academic year so far. That’s an increase of 9% from the same period a year earlier. But analysis by the Fabian Society found overall apprenticeship starts among under-25s have still fallen by about 40% in the last decade. It said this is the largest decline among advanced economies. Most read in Money The worrying figures come after it was revealed earlier this year that almost one million 16 to 24-year-olds are classed as NEET (not in education, employment of training). Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to support youth jobs by overhauling technical education and apprenticeships. But the think tank warned not enough is being done currently. Joe Dromey, the general secretary of the Fabian Society, said: “The Prime Minister is right to make getting more young people into skilled work a priority. “But setting the ambition is not enough if the route into an apprenticeship does not work. “Our findings show just how confusing parts of the current system have become. The Government’s commitment to reform technical routes from 14 are an important step, but ministers now need to make sure these routes actually lead somewhere.” The report recommended the government launch a £311million-a-year regional apprenticeship fund by the end of the decade. This would be created by devolving 5% of revenue from an expanded growth and skills levy. Ministers are currently waiting for recommendations from a highly anticipated report by former Labour cabinet minister Alan Milburn. The findings are expected to be published before next month’s Budget. A Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) spokesperson said: “We are determined to increase apprenticeship starts among young people and give them the skills they need to succeed. “We are already pivoting the system towards the next generation, including creating 50,000 additional apprenticeships for young people, and introducing a new incentive of up to £2,000 for SMEs which take on a 16-24 year old apprentice. “Our £2.5billion investment in youth employment will create nearly one million jobs and training opportunities, including vital early work experience, and further reform will follow the Milburn Review this autumn.” Comment now