The decline in apprenticeship opportunities in the UK has left many young people struggling to find a foothold in the labour market, according to a Guardian editorial. The number of apprenticeship starts has fallen sharply since 2015, with a 28% drop in under-25s starting apprenticeships between 2015/16 and 2022/23, according to government data. This trend has been exacerbated by the introduction of the apprenticeship levy in 2017, which shifted funding but failed to boost quality or quantity.
Impact on Young People
Young workers are particularly affected, as apprenticeships have traditionally provided a vital route into skilled employment. The editorial notes that the proportion of 16- to 24-year-olds not in education, employment, or training (NEET) has risen, with 12.6% of this age group NEET in 2023, up from 11.2% in 2019. Without accessible apprenticeships, many young people face prolonged uncertainty and debt from alternative further education routes.
Levy Reform Needed
The Guardian argues that the apprenticeship levy, which requires large employers to spend 0.5% of their payroll on apprenticeship training, has been poorly designed. Many companies use the funds for existing employees rather than new entrants, undermining the scheme's purpose. The editorial calls for greater flexibility in levy spending, allowing funds to be used for pre-apprenticeship training or shorter programmes that better suit young people's needs.
Broader Economic Context
The decline in apprenticeships comes at a time when youth unemployment remains a concern. The UK has one of the highest NEET rates among developed nations, according to OECD data. The editorial emphasises that investing in apprenticeships is not just a social imperative but an economic one, as skills shortages in sectors like construction, healthcare, and digital technology continue to grow.
Call for Government Action
The Guardian urges the government to take decisive action, including setting targets for apprenticeship starts among young people and improving the quality of training. It also suggests expanding the role of careers advice in schools to promote vocational routes. Without such measures, the editorial warns, a generation risks being left behind in the labour market.
