In an effort to help more young people find work, the UK government has promised to create 50,000 new apprenticeship placements. From AI to hospitality and engineering, a diverse range of courses are set to be on offer. However, concerns remain about high dropout rates.
An apprenticeship typically involves four days a week of work and one day of study, leading to a qualification. Employers are responsible for ensuring apprentices work with experienced staff and receive time off for studying. The most popular apprenticeships in 2024-25 were in business, administration and law, with engineering, manufacturing, construction and the built environment also seeing increases.
The Department for Education has ranked pub and restaurant group Mitchells & Butlers, defence firm BAE Systems, and e-commerce giant Amazon as England’s “top” three apprenticeship providers in 2025.
Apprentices are paid for their time working. Those under 19 or in their first year will receive at least the apprentice rate of £7.55 per hour, rising to £8 in April 2026. Older apprentices are entitled to the appropriate minimum wage for their age, which will increase to £10.85 for 19-20 year olds and £12.71 for those 21 and above by April 2026.
Research suggests young degree apprentices earn substantially more than their university graduate counterparts one year after completing their course, with average earnings of £36,785 compared to £18,555.
Apprenticeships in the UK are offered at various levels, from intermediate (GCSE standard) to degree (bachelor’s or master’s). While advanced apprenticeships at A-level standard remain the most popular, the number of people doing higher apprenticeships has been rising.
However, concerns have been raised that degree apprenticeships are “not sufficiently inclusive”, with just 10.7% of participants in 2022-23 identified as disadvantaged, compared to 11.4% of Russell Group undergraduates and 19.4% of all university undergraduates.
The number of young people starting apprenticeships has fallen by almost 40% in the past decade, prompting the government to take action. Since April 2024, it has covered the full cost of apprenticeships offered by small businesses to those aged 21 and under, a measure it hopes will help reduce the nearly one million 16-24 year olds not in employment, education or training.
Finding an apprenticeship involves searching official websites, understanding the training and pay on offer, and considering whether the role and industry align with your career aspirations. While over 60% of apprentices completed and passed their final assessment in 2023-24, concerns remain about lack of time for training, unmet expectations, and poor management.
Apprenticeships present a promising alternative to the traditional university route, offering hands-on work experience, nationally recognised qualifications, and the potential for higher earnings. As the government works to expand opportunities, apprenticeships could play a key role in tackling youth unemployment and providing diverse pathways to success.
