More Apprenticeships, More Opportunities: Britain’s Skills Boost Explained
The UK government announced a major investment in apprenticeships, promising 50,000 new opportunities for young people over the next three years. This comes as part of a £725 million package of reforms designed to tackle youth unemployment, equip young people with vital skills, and make apprenticeships a respected alternative to university.
At HBTC, we know first-hand how transformative apprenticeships can be. They offer young people the chance to learn on the job, apply their training immediately, and grow with your business, helping to close skills gaps while building a loyal and capable workforce.
What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a work-based training programme that allows employees to earn while they learn. Typically, apprentices spend four days a week working within a business and one day completing structured training towards a recognised qualification.
Apprenticeships are suitable for:
- Employers looking to recruit new talent
- Businesses wanting to upskill existing staff
- Organisations planning for future growth or succession
The opportunities are diverse. Popular apprenticeships in recent years have included business, administration, digital roles, law, construction, and manufacturing. New courses in AI, digital skills, hospitality, and engineering are set to roll out in 2026, giving employers even more flexibility to meet evolving skills demands.
Why This Matters for Employers
Despite the clear benefits, the number of young people starting apprenticeships has fallen nearly 40% over the past decade. Almost one million 16–24-year-olds are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). At the same time, many employers continue to report skills shortages and recruitment challenges. These new reforms aim to reverse this by increasing access to high-quality apprenticeships and giving small businesses the support they need to take on young talent. By removing the 5% co-investment for SME’s, the government will now fully fund training costs for eligible apprentices under 25. This change opens up more opportunities for young people and makes it easier for employers to take on and invest in new talent.
Key Measures Employers Should Know About:
- Covering the full cost of apprenticeships for young people under 25 at small and medium-sized businesses.
- Greater flexibility through shorter courses and foundation apprenticeships
- New apprenticeship routes in growth areas such as AI, digital media, hospitality, and retail
- Stronger partnerships with regional leaders to align training with local employer needs
- Reduced administrative and financial barriers to taking on apprentices
Paying apprentices
Apprentices are paid employees and contribute directly to your business while they train. Current Apprenticeship pay rates are:
- £7.55 per hour for under-19s and first-year apprentices aged 19+ (rising to £8 in April 2026)
- £10.00 per hour for 19–20-year-olds after their first year (rising to £10.85 in April 2026)
- £12.21 per hour for those aged 21 and over after their first year (rising to £12.71 in April 2026)
Research shows that degree apprentices can earn nearly twice as much as traditional graduates just one year after finishing their course.
HBTC and Apprenticeships
HBTC has long championed apprenticeships as a pathway to real careers. We support employers at every stage of the apprenticeship journey, from identifying the right programme to delivering high-quality training and ongoing support. Our apprenticeships are designed around real workplace needs, helping businesses develop confident, capable employees who add value from day one.
With the government’s new reforms, apprenticeships are now more accessible than ever, enabling even more young people to access these life-changing opportunities. For employers, this is a chance to invest in people, future-proof your workforce, and grow sustainably.
Putting Apprenticeships on an Equal Footing
With these new reforms, the government hopes to put apprenticeships on an equal footing with university degrees, recognising that hands-on training can be just as valuable in preparing young people for the world of work. For employers, this shift reinforces apprenticeships as a credible and strategic workforce solution, not just an alternative route, but a core part of skills development. At HBTC, we’re proud to work alongside employers to turn policy into practice and training into tangible results.
Find out more
If you’re an employer looking to recruit apprentices or upskill your existing workforce, HBTC can help. Contact us on 01482 211714 to explore apprenticeship options, funding support, and how we can tailor training to your business needs.
Alternatively, if you are ready to start your apprenticeship journey, click the link to look at our current vacancies.
The future of work is skills-led, and now is the time to invest in yours.
You may also be interested in…
Emily Simpson
Emily is our Digital Marketing/Learner Engagement Apprentice and is involved with all things social media and content development. She is also responsible for attending career events and maintaining relationships with local schools and colleges.