Government vows to unlock opportunities for young people ahead of National Apprenticeship Week

The government will pilot a university-style clearing system to redirect near-miss apprenticeship applicants to local vacancies and launch an online platform showing earnings and progression data, backed by the Growth and Skills Levy to expand apprenticeship places.

The government has announced measures to make apprenticeships easier to find and access for young people ahead of National Apprenticeship Week. It will pilot a university-style clearing system to redirect 'near miss' applicants to similar local apprenticeship opportunities and develop an online platform with data on earnings and progression. Officials say these steps aim to put apprenticeships on a level footing with university degrees and to support employers in finding local talent. The measures form part of a wider package backed by the Growth and Skills Levy to expand skills training across regions. Key details: - A pilot clearing system will test redirecting near-miss applicants to nearby apprenticeship vacancies, delivered in partnership with employers and mayoral strategic authorities. - An online platform will compile information on apprenticeships, including reported earnings and progression data, to help people compare options. - The Growth and Skills Levy is said to back measures intended to deliver 50,000 more apprenticeships for young people. - The government reported 353,500 apprenticeship starts in its first year, 13,920 more than the year before (2023/24). - Ministers are expected to visit regional events during National Apprenticeship Week to engage with employers, providers and apprentices. Summary: These measures are intended to simplify access to apprenticeships, provide clearer information on outcomes, and strengthen local recruitment pipelines for employers. The pilot and platform will be tested with local authorities and employers, and ministers will carry out regional visits during National Apprenticeship Week. The timing and scope of any national roll-out were not stated.