Labour’s flagship foundation apprenticeship programme has recorded only 160 starts in its first eight months, raising questions about the government’s ability to meet its target of 30,000 starts by the end of the current parliament.
The foundation apprenticeships were introduced in August 2025 as part of Labour’s plans to reform technical education and create more pathways into skilled employment for young people. The programme offers paid employment combined with training for a minimum of eight months.
Official figures covering August 2025 to April 2026 show that just 160 foundation apprenticeships had started during the period. By comparison, 308,770 apprenticeships of all types were recorded across England during the same period, an increase of 8.7% from the previous year.
The figures have prompted concerns about the government’s wider plans to tackle youth unemployment. Around one million people aged 16 to 24 in the UK are estimated to be outside employment, education or training.
A report by the Fabian Society argued that the apprenticeship system needs significant reform if the government is to expand opportunities for young people. It recommended establishing a regional apprenticeship fund worth £311 million annually by the end of the decade and allowing employers to use apprenticeship levy funding to cover part of the wages of young apprentices.
The report also highlighted the long-term decline in apprenticeship participation among people under 25. According to its analysis, starts among this age group remain about 40% below their level a decade ago.
The government has defended its broader approach, saying it is committed to increasing apprenticeship opportunities for young people. The Department for Work and Pensions pointed to plans for 50,000 additional apprenticeships and a new incentive of up to £2,000 for small and medium-sized businesses that employ apprentices aged 16 to 24.
Ministers are also awaiting the findings of a review led by former Labour cabinet minister Alan Milburn into youth unemployment. The review is expected to inform further changes to education, welfare and employment policies later this year.
The foundation apprenticeship figures are provisional and cover only the first three quarters of the 2025/26 academic year. Further data will therefore be needed to establish whether participation increases as the programme becomes more established.
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