A review led by Alan Milburn recommends the establishment of a national pre-apprenticeship scheme in England to bridge the gap for young people transitioning from school to work. This initiative aims to provide further education, training, and work experience, addressing the significant decline in youth apprenticeship starts over the past decade.
The proposal comes amid rising youth unemployment, with only 20% of apprenticeship starts currently going to those aged 16 to 18. The government is considering this recommendation alongside potential welfare reforms, as nearly 1 million young people are currently not in education, employment, or training (Neet).