Oral Question·Department for Work and Pensions
“What steps he is taking to help increase the number of apprenticeships available to young people.”
Tabled: 21 April 2026Answered: 27 April 2026
Asked by
James Asser
Labour — West Ham and Beckton
Answering Minister
the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Answer from Hansard
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Pat McFadden)
The number of youth apprenticeship starts has fallen by 40% over the past decade. Because we want to give more young people the chance of apprenticeships, we are fully funding youth apprenticeships for small businesses, introducing a £2,000 hiring incentive for non-levy-paying employers, and expanding foundation apprenticeships in hospitality and retail. All that is aimed at more opportunity and more work for young people.