To coincide with National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 Feb), the Government announced that they would be introducing a clearing system for apprenticeships which has been designed to provide a clearer path into apprenticeships, and help to unlock opportunities for young people across the country.
Since taking office in 2024, the Government has placed a significant, renewed focus on the growth and reform of apprenticeships, positioning them as a cornerstone of economic growth and skill development. In December last year they committed £725 million of investment to deliver 50,000 more apprenticeships for young people, as it aims to get two thirds of young people into higher-level learning, or apprenticeship-level training. And now it’s hoped that their new university-style pilot scheme will play its part in helping to direct candidates who don’t secure a place on their chosen scheme to access other similar apprenticeships in their area.
Online platform
Using a comprehensive online platform, which brings together a raft of invaluable information on apprenticeships in one place, young people who have missed out on apprenticeships, will be provided with details about alternative placements in their chosen area of interest and local area. It is hoped that this pilot scheme will make apprenticeships easier to navigate and more appealing to young people who are weighing up their options.
The new system, which will be run in partnership with employers and mayoral strategic authorities, will also enable young people to compare options, show earnings, long-term career prospects and opportunities for progression after completion of their training. Furthermore, in order to speed up the process of creating new courses, the Government is cutting the approval time for developing an apprenticeship from 18 months to just 3 months.
Building skills
We are all hearing about the huge UK skills gap. But many businesses are turning to apprenticeships to build a skilled, loyal workforce tailored to their specific needs, whilst also boosting productivity and lowering recruitment costs. And of course they offer other benefits; a cost-effective way to train staff, a means of injecting fresh perspective and innovation, building advanced technical and leadership skills and also a successful method of improving employee retention.
But it’s not just words, apprenticeships are growing. Figures for the 2025/26 academic year (August 2025 to October 2025) show:
• Apprenticeship starts were up by 7.7% to 142,780 compared to 132,560 reported for the previous year
• Learner participation increased by 3.2% to 589,850 compared to 571,630 the previous year
• Apprenticeship achievements increased by 22.0% to 46,140 compared to 37,820 in the same period the previous year
Apprenticeships going forwards
Apprenticeships have shifted from being viewed as a “nice-to-have” to a core, strategic component of workforce planning for many businesses. According to research by Grant Thornton, “as of 2026, 76% of UK mid-market businesses consider apprenticeships to be an important part of their long-term, sustainable workforce strategy”. This growing adoption is driven by the need to tackle skills shortages, boost productivity, and develop a “homegrown” talent pipeline in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven economy.
How can I help?
If you are thinking about developing an apprenticeship within your organisation and require help, advice and support, please get in touch today – caroline.robertson@actifhr.co.uk