UK funds 50,000 youth apprenticeships; AI from 2026

Students, parents and teachers: this is a big week for practical routes into work. On 7 December 2025, the Government confirmed a £725 million plan to expand apprenticeships, aiming to create 50,000 more opportunities for young people over the next three years. The press notice was updated on 9 December 2025 with further detail.

In everyday terms, the package does four main things. It covers training costs for under‑25 apprentices at small and medium‑sized employers, funds a £140 million pilot so Mayors can connect young people-especially those not in education, employment or training-to local roles, opens new waves of foundation apprenticeships in sectors like hospitality and retail, and promises short, modular courses in areas such as AI and engineering from April 2026.

If you are under 25 and start an apprenticeship with an SME in England, the Government says your training and assessment costs will be paid in full. Employers still pay wages, but the 5% co‑investment that SMEs previously had to contribute towards training is being removed for these learners to make it easier to hire young talent. Check vacancy details with providers as implementation guidance is issued.

Where this applies matters. These reforms relate to England, where apprenticeship policy sits with the Department for Education. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland operate different systems, so if you live there, follow local advice before applying.

To find roles, start with the Government’s Find an Apprenticeship service. You can browse live vacancies without logging in, but you’ll need a GOV.UK One Login to set alerts and apply. It’s designed to keep your applications in one place and is updated with thousands of adverts throughout the year.

UCAS also lists apprenticeships alongside degrees and allows you to search and apply through its site, so students can compare options in one place and receive tailored updates. This is especially helpful for sixth‑form and college planning.

Foundation apprenticeships are intended as paid, entry routes that help you gain workplace experience and structured training from day one, with retail and hospitality among the first areas highlighted. They sit within the new Growth and Skills Levy reforms, which widen training options beyond traditional, longer programmes.

Planning ahead helps. Short courses in AI, engineering and digital skills will begin rolling out from April 2026, and a new Level 4 apprenticeship in AI is due the same month. If you are choosing post‑16 subjects now, prioritising maths and computing can put you in a strong position when these options open.

Quality still counts, whatever the route. An apprenticeship should include regular off‑the‑job training as well as work. This doesn’t have to be one set day a week; it can be delivered flexibly. Ask providers to show you the training plan and how your end‑point assessment will work.

If you are currently not in education, employment or training, keep an eye on local announcements. A £140 million mayoral pilot is designed to match young people to nearby employers, working with councils and providers who understand local job markets.

For teachers and parents, UCAS has ready‑made resources for lessons, workshops and family communications, plus updated tools for the 2025 cycle. Use them to help students build CVs, practise interviews and understand how apprenticeships compare with classroom‑based study.

Here’s the wider context we should teach as we go. Apprenticeship starts among young people have fallen by almost 40% since 2015/16, which is one reason ministers are putting extra funding and coordination into the system. The ambition is clear; the next test is delivery-enough quality vacancies, clear guidance, and support to help you start, stay and progress.