Ask Onix
Government unveils apprenticeship expansion plan
The UK government has announced a major expansion of youth apprenticeships, aiming to create 50,000 new places over the next three years. The initiative seeks to address rising youth unemployment, with nearly one million 16- to 24-year-olds currently neither in work nor education.
Starmer highlights apprenticeships as equal to university
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the value of vocational training during a visit to McLaren in Woking, where he met apprentices. Reflecting on his father's experience as a tool-making engineer who attended night school, Starmer stated that apprenticeships are "every bit as difficult and complicated" as university education.
"University is a good thing to do... but being an apprentice is an equally good thing to do," he said. "That's what my dad did, and he was a highly skilled engineer."
Sir Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister
Funding and reforms announced
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has allocated £725 million over three years to support the expansion. Key measures include removing the 5% apprenticeship levy for under-25s and introducing new programs in AI, hospitality, and engineering. Short courses will begin in spring 2026.
A £140 million pilot program will allow mayors to connect young people with local employers, though details on its implementation remain unclear.
Criticism over age limits and levy changes
Rose Atkinson, whose 27-year-old autistic daughter holds a degree in animation, criticized the scheme's age cutoff at 25. She argued that disabled graduates often need longer internships to transition into work.
"Disabled young adults have the capacity to work and desperately want to work... but don't stand a chance when it's taken them longer than others to graduate."
Rose Atkinson, parent
Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith acknowledged concerns from larger employers about levy reforms but stated the government remains "open to feedback" on delivery.
Industry and opposition react
Travis Perkins, a major builder's merchant, welcomed the expansion. Andy Rayner, its director of skills, called the measures "significant" for the construction sector, noting they would ease apprenticeship commitments for both learners and employers.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden also announced plans to create 350,000 training and work experience placements, including 55,000 six-month roles for long-term Universal Credit claimants, backed by £820 million in funding.
Conservative MP Helen Whately criticized the initiative, arguing it showed Labour "has no plan for growth."
