Following the Budget’s allocation of an additional £725m of funding to reform the apprenticeship system, the government pledged to create 50,000 new apprenticeships within three years.

With demand for apprenticeships increasing dramatically in recent years, the government’s pledge will be welcomed by many. Research conducted for ICAEW found that 18% of school leavers were interested in an apprenticeship in 2025, up from just 5% in 2016, and that interest in accountancy programmes was second only to those in engineering, design and manufacturing.

Changes to the growth and skills levy (formerly the apprenticeship levy) funding allocation started to come into effect in January, and the government has revealed more of its plans to increase apprentice numbers to coincide with National Apprenticeships Week.

Better support for candidates

At the heart of the proposals are efforts to ensure that young people have enough information and support to secure an apprenticeship.

A new online platform is to be created to better share information on what apprenticeships offer and the variety of careers they offer a route into. 

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, said: “Apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to earn and learn and are a proven route into good jobs, but too many young people don’t know enough about them.”

The new website will offer a one-stop shop for students to find out about what apprentices are, what their peers are earning and the roles that apprentices go on to hold. Giving real-world insights into potential career paths and the future that they can offer.

Dana Day, ICAEW’s Chief Learning Officer, asserts that an apprenticeship is far more than an alternative route into learning and this is why communicating effectively with prospective students is so important. 

“An accountancy apprenticeship is a powerful gateway to opportunity,” she says. “Through the ACA, apprentices gain not only world-class technical expertise, but the professional credibility, commercial insight and recognition that open doors to an extraordinary range of careers — from business leadership to sustainability.

“That’s why we work closely with employers to share clear information and real stories of progression, so young people understand that an apprenticeship is not a compromise. It is the first step towards a dynamic, future-proof career.”

Alongside offering more information on what apprenticeships offer, the government is to pilot a ‘clearing’ system – like that operated by universities. The scheme will help direct candidates who don’t secure a place on their chosen scheme to access other similar apprenticeships in their area.

The government believes that this will help support employers – particularly small and medium-sized businesses – gain access to motivated young people in their area.

Better adaptability for employers 

The government has also pledged to significantly speed up approval processes for changes to apprenticeship programmes. The announcement from the Department of Work and Pensions suggests that approval could come in just three months – compared with the current wait of 18 months.

The government argues that organisations need to be able to adapt their apprenticeship training programmes and develop short courses, particularly when standards and regulations change.

In particular, the government hopes that this move will enable more apprenticeships to be created for major infrastructure projects.