Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will ensure access to apprenticeships and help provide good employment options for young men.

Apprenticeships and employment support are both fully transferred to the Northern Ireland Executive, with funding devolved in the usual way. This response therefore provides information on apprenticeships in England only, and on Youth Guarantee measures across England, Scotland, and Wales.

This Government will not leave an entire generation of young people behind. The government is investing an additional £2.5 billion by 2029 into the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy, supporting almost one million young people and creating up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn.

This includes an expanded network of Youth Hubs, earlier intensive support in Jobcentres through a new Youth Guarantee Gateway, additional work experience and training opportunities, a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant and a fully funded six-month job for long-term unemployed 18–24-year-olds.

We are also expanding apprenticeship opportunities for young people, including by fully funding apprenticeships for eligible young people aged under 25 and introducing a £2,000 hiring payment for non-levy paying employers (who are typically SMEs) that recruit apprentices aged under 25 from October. We have also introduced foundation apprenticeships to provide entry level opportunities in sectors, such as construction, hospitality and retail.

Alongside this, the Government is investing £240 million to pilot enhanced apprenticeship brokerage services across all 14 Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs). The programme will help more young people aged 16-24, particularly those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), to access apprenticeship opportunities while supporting employers to recruit local talent.

The government also facilitates and funds the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (AAN) which comprises 3,000 employers and apprentices who volunteer to promote the benefits of apprenticeships, including in schools and colleges.