The government is pursuing an expansion of apprenticeship opportunities across England, and we are seeking feedback from businesses about their involvement in this scheme. We want to understand what works, what doesn't, and what support would help employers offer more positions to young people.
Recent data reveals significant challenges with the government's flagship foundation apprenticeship programme. Only 160 young people enrolled during its first eight months of operation, a figure that underscores the difficulties in scaling up apprenticeship numbers. This modest uptake comes as demand for degree apprenticeships has surged dramatically, with applications quadrupling over three years while available places have contracted, suggesting a mismatch between what employers offer and what young people seek.
Research conducted by the Fabian Society has identified a core problem: many employers lack sufficient understanding of the technical qualifications available through apprenticeship pathways. The research also highlighted the need for systemic improvements to make the apprenticeship landscape less complicated for businesses to navigate and for young people to understand.
Against this backdrop, we are inviting employers across England to share their direct experiences. Whether you have successfully recruited apprentices or decided against doing so, your insights matter.
What we want to know from employers
If your organisation has taken on apprentices, we'd like to understand how the experience has unfolded. Have apprentices added value to your business? What specific benefits have they brought? Equally important, what obstacles have you encountered? What changes to the system, or what additional government support, would persuade you to expand your apprenticeship offerings?
For those who have not recruited apprentices or wish to take on more than currently employed, we want to understand the barriers you face. Are funding constraints the issue? Do administrative burdens deter you? Are training requirements too demanding? Is it difficult to identify candidates with the right skills and potential? Your answers will help policymakers understand what is preventing wider adoption.
This feedback arrives as the government has introduced financial incentives for parents on benefits, offering up to £4,500 annually to encourage children into apprenticeships, and as opposition parties propose alternative schemes such as wage rebates to boost participation.
How to contribute your experience
You can submit your response using the form provided below. We encourage you to include as much detail as possible about your circumstances, challenges, and suggestions. The maximum file size for submissions is 5.7 MB.
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