Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many of the 500,000 opportunities announced on 16 March 2026 comprise (a) apprenticeships, (b) subsidised jobs, (c) work experience placements and (d) sector-based work academy programmes.

This Government will not leave an entire generation of young people behind. For many years our young people have not had the opportunity and support they deserve. Under the last government, between 2021 and 2024, the number of young people not in education, employment or training increased by 250,000.

The Government has recently announced a further £1 billion investment in young people, taking the total investment to £2.5 billion over the next three years though the Youth Guarantee and additional investment in the Growth and Skills Levy. This investment will support almost one million young people and create up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn.

The more detailed breakdown of the 500,000 opportunities have been published on GOV.UK, as follows:

• 150,000 work experience
• 145,000 SWAPs
• 50,000 apprenticeships
• 90,000 jobs guarantee jobs
• 60,000 hiring incentives

Together these measures demonstrate the Government’s commitment to backing young people, supporting employers, and working with partners across Great Britain to create clear pathways into employment and education for young people.