Plan to make firms pay more to train older workers than youth apprentices in England
News Source
β’Sat, 17 Oct 2026 07:00:24 GMT
π° What Happened
The government plans to make employers pay more to train a worker over 25 than a young apprentice. Training an older worker would cost firms 25% more under the plans. The aim is to push businesses to take on 16- to 24-year-olds instead.
The change would use the Β£4bn-a-year growth and skills levy. Levy money would still cover the full cost for younger apprentices, but only 75% for older ones. It could start in September 2027.
π The Backstory
Youth apprenticeship starts have fallen about 40% over the past decade. More than half of new starters are now over 25, and the number of under-19s has almost halved. Nearly a million young people are not in work, school or training.
The plan is part of the answer to Alan Milburn's review of youth joblessness, due after the budget. Employers may object, because governments have long told them the levy money was theirs to spend.
π― Why It Matters
It could change who gets training and a first step into work, at a time when youth unemployment is a top political worry.
The government plans to make employers pay more to train a worker over 25 than a young apprentice. Training an older worker would cost firms 25% more under the plans. The aim is to push businesses to take on 16- to 24-year-olds instead.
The change would use the Β£4bn-a-year growth and skills levy. Levy money would still cover the full cost for younger apprentices, but only 75% for older ones. It could start in September 2027.
Youth apprenticeship starts have fallen about 40% over the past decade. More than half of new starters are now over 25, and the number of under-19s has almost halved. Nearly a million young people are not in work, school or training.
The plan is part of the answer to Alan Milburn's review of youth joblessness, due after the budget. Employers may object, because governments have long told them the levy money was theirs to spend.
It could change who gets training and a first step into work, at a time when youth unemployment is a top political worry.