The Education Committee’s recent “Further Education and Skills” report (the Report) highlights the need to better align apprenticeships with the skills employers require. While initiatives such as the Growth and Skills Levy have encouraged more investment, many employers still find the system complex, fragmented and difficult to navigate. The Report’s recommendations aim to simplify the process, widen access and ensure apprenticeships deliver real value for both employers and learners. We outline the key recommendations and what they could mean for employers and HR teams.
The process needs to be simplified
Although the new Growth and Skills Levy, introduced in 2024, has helped to support employers investing in apprenticeship training, the route to an apprenticeship remains complicated and unclear. For young people leaving full-time education, the prospect of applying for an apprenticeship can be daunting as there is no national framework and the process varies by region. The timelines often do not align with the university application process, which makes it hard for young people to weigh apprenticeships against academic routes.
From an employer’s perspective, the system is overly complex and inflexible. The requirement that at least 20% of an apprentice’s working hours must be spent on training can be a deterrent, with concerns about the impact this will have on productivity. There are also several regulatory and reporting requirements which, coupled with the lack of clear guidance, is off-putting for many employers, particularly SMEs.
The Report recommends that the government introduces a streamlined application process, tailored for businesses, by April 2026. It also wants to see dedicated guidance on how to navigate the system, especially for SMEs, and include practical information to help employers support apprentices effectively and improve their overall experience. A clearer, more consistent framework could reduce administrative burden and make apprenticeships a more realistic workforce planning tool for SMEs.
Foundation apprenticeships should be introduced to “everyday” sectors
The report notes that the government’s focus on foundation apprenticeships has predominantly been in industrial sectors and calls for more opportunities in “everyday” sectors, such as hospitality and retail, where many young people often gain their first job or work experience.
Broader sector coverage could help address recruitment and retention pressures, including persistent skills shortages, in service-based industries.
Age group for the Youth Guarantee needs widening
The Youth Guarantee, introduced in late 2024, aims to ensure that everyone aged 18 to 21 has access to education, training or help with finding a job or apprenticeship. However, the latest Labour Force Survey estimates that around 13.6% of young people aged 16 to 24 were not in education, training or employment, which equates to almost one in seven people in that age group.
The Report concludes that the current age limit is too low and recommends extending the Youth Guarantee to those aged 16 to 24. This would help a wider group of young people either re-enter education or access employment.
Consistency in English and maths requirements for adult apprenticeships
Since February 2025, employers have been able to decide whether adult apprentices (aged 19 or over) are required to complete an English and maths qualification to pass their apprenticeship. This decision has faced some criticism, for creating inconsistency and potential disadvantage.
Concerns include the risk that apprentices without a good foundation in English and maths may face barriers to employment once they finish their apprenticeship. There is also a lack of clarity as to why apprentices aged 18 need a qualification in English and maths, but those aged 19 and over do not. Some stakeholders are concerned that fewer requirements for older apprentices could make it harder for those aged 16 to 18 to compete for opportunities.
To address these issues, the Report proposes a three-route model for all apprentices, including those who have not achieved a grade 4 GCSE in English and/or maths by the age of 16:
- Route A: Apprentices with a realistic prospect of achieving grade 4 in English and/or maths should be supported to work towards those qualifications.
- Route B: Where the apprenticeship programme can incorporate appropriate English and maths content, this should count towards meeting the requirement.
- Route C: Apprentices who are unlikely to achieve grade 4 in English and/or maths should be supported to achieve a pass in these qualifications if this would benefit their employability.
A consistent approach would create a clearer pathway for all apprentices, regardless of age.
Key takeaways
The proposed reforms aim to make apprenticeships simpler, more flexible and more accessible, for both learners and employers. Simplifying the process and expanding opportunities in hospitality and retail could increase participation, particularly among SMEs. Employers should play a key role in shaping apprenticeship programmes, taking the forthcoming guidance into account to ensure apprentices gain meaningful skills and experience. Employers may wish to monitor the government’s response to the Report and consider how potential reforms could support their workforce planning and future skills needs.
