A Fabian Society analysis shows under-25s have experienced roughly a 40% drop in apprenticeship starts over the last decade, even as total starts rise about 9% this academic year—driven mainly by older youths rather than under-19s.

Government aims to sign up 30,000 young people by the end of this parliament, but the long-term trend remains a 40% decrease for under-25 starts compared with a decade ago.

Across the board, under-25 apprenticeship starts are about 40% below a decade ago, leaving the UK lagging among advanced economies and contributing to rising NEET figures.

Milburn’s youth worklessness review is expected to propose sweeping changes to education, welfare, and employment policy, with findings due before the next month’s budget.

DWP says it is pivoting toward youth employment with measures including 50,000 extra apprenticeships for young people, up to £2,000 incentives for SMEs hiring 16–24-year-old apprentices, and a £2.5 billion investment to create nearly one million jobs and training opportunities.

Government responses stress ongoing boosts to starts and reforms after the Milburn Review, including extra apprenticeship places, employer incentives, and a large investment aimed at broad job and training opportunities.

The Fabian Society warns reforms risk failure unless apprenticeship and technical education pathways are redesigned to be navigable and effective for both employers and young people.

Nearly one million 16–24-year-olds are NEET, underscoring the scale of the challenge.

Fabian recommendations include creating a regional apprenticeship fund of £331 million per year funded by 5% of revenue from an expanded growth and skills levy, and redesigning foundation apprenticeships to cover half wage costs with levy funds, potentially enabling 26,000 new starts annually.

Andy Burnham pledges to overhaul technical education and apprenticeships as part of plans to boost youth jobs and regional prosperity.

A public survey shows high awareness of traditional qualifications but low knowledge of newer vocational routes, with only about a quarter of employers familiar with T-levels and even fewer with V-levels.

Labour’s flagship foundation apprenticeship scheme has delivered only 160 starts in its first eight months, far short of the 30,000 target for the parliament and drawing criticism from the Fabian Society.