The government has announced plans for a a university-style clearing system for apprenticeship to help young people who miss out on placements find alternatives.
This plan was announced to mark National Apprenticeship Week from 9-15 February, in a bid to address the government’s goal to get two-thirds of young people into higher-level learning or apprenticeship schemes.
The plan is backed by a funding of £725 million. It includes trialling a system which would redirect near-miss applicants, who lost out on their top-choice apprenticeship, to similar vacancies in their local area.
The trial is due to start later this year and will be delivered through partnerships with employers and regional authorities. It aims to deliver at least 50,000 more apprenticeships for young people. Some placements on the new scheme will start this week.
Announcing the initiative, Pat McFadden, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said there was a skill gap for young people who want to pursue apprenticeships as opposed to university courses. He said the scheme will give young people a “faster route into secure, well-paid work”, which will mean that “British businesses have the talent they need to grow.”
It will be supported by an online platform which will provide young people with clear information regarding apprenticeships and potential career outcomes. The platform will also have data showing actual earnings after training and data showing how other apprentices progressed after completing training.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that “young people have been held back,” from opportunities and experience that they need because of old-fashioned beliefs.
“Apprenticeships give young people real experience, real prospects and a real route into good careers. We’re unlocking opportunities for young people across the country by making it easier and faster to get the skills that matter.”
The scheme is set to commence this year with some companies announcing placements for this week. Centrica, an energy firm, is one of the companies. It said it will create 500 new apprenticeships, part of two year programme, in 2026.