One Million Young People Left Without Work, Education or Training in the UK: Why Apprenticeships Are a Vital Solution for Employers and Young People
The number of 16–24-year-olds in the UK not in employment, education or training (NEET) has now risen above one million, according to the Office for National Statistics. This is the highest level seen in over a decade, highlighting the growing challenge many young people face when trying to take their first step into work.
With entry-level roles becoming increasingly competitive and fewer “starter” opportunities available, employers are under pressure to find new ways to build skilled, future-ready teams. Apprenticeships offer a practical and proven solution. At HBTC, we support businesses to recruit, train, and retain apprentices across a wide range of sectors, helping to bridge the skills gap while making recruitment more affordable and accessible.
Why Apprenticeships Matter for Young People
Apprenticeships are no longer just an alternative to university; they are a direct route into meaningful, long-term employment. Even for those who have completed a degree, the job market has become more competitive than ever. Many school and college leavers and graduates find it increasingly difficult to secure full-time roles without relevant workplace experience, which is often not fully developed through academic study alone.
Apprenticeships help bridge this gap by providing:
- Real workplace experience alongside structured training
- Job-specific skills that employers actually need
- A clear pathway into long-term employment
- A way to build confidence in a professional environment
- A chance to earn while learning, rather than building debt
In many cases, apprenticeships provide the practical skills and exposure to real working environments that a university alone may not offer, making candidates far more job-ready in today’s market.
Why Apprenticeships Work for Employers
Alongside developing future talent, apprenticeships are also a cost-effective way for businesses to grow their workforce.
Employers can benefit from government support, including:
- £1,000 additional payment for hiring apprentices aged 16–18 (and 19–24-year-olds with ECHP/Education, Health and Care Plan or care leavers), which can be used towards wages, travel, or equipment
- No Employer National Insurance contributions for hiring apprentices under 25
- Upcoming SME incentives of up to £2,000 for hiring 16–24-year-old apprentices (from October 2026 for eligible starts)
- £3,000 new Universal Credit hiring incentive for those aged 18-24, if the apprentice has been on Universal Credit for over 6 months (starting June 2026)
These incentives help reduce recruitment costs while enabling businesses to invest in long-term workforce development.
The Value of Apprenticeships
Recent reports highlight growing challenges for young people entering the workforce, including fewer entry-level roles and increased competition for available positions. Many employers report difficulty filling skills gaps, while many young people remain ready and willing to work but are unable to secure opportunities. Apprenticeships offer a practical solution, helping businesses build capability internally while supporting young people into sustainable employment pathways.
Apprenticeship Programmes at HBTC
HBTC delivers a wide range of apprenticeship programmes designed to meet business needs and support career development, including:
- Level 2 & Level 3 Customer Service
- Level 3 Business Administration
- Level 2 Business Administration (coming soon)
- Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketing
- Level 3 Digital Support Technician
- Level 3 IT
- Level 3 Teaching Assistant
How HBTC Can Help
As a training provider, we support employers every step of the way, from recruitment through to training delivery and ongoing apprenticeship management. We help businesses access funding, understand eligibility, and make the most of available incentives.
If your business is looking to grow, now is the time to consider how apprenticeships can help you build your future workforce and help young people get into employment, while keeping costs manageable.
Get in touch with us to find out more about hiring an apprentice on 01482 211714, or send an email to info@hbtc.co.uk
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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.