A national apprenticeship readiness scheme should be introduced in England to help young people transition from school to work, according to Alan Milburn's review into Britain's youth jobs crisis. Milburn will call for a new "national pre-apprenticeship route" to provide further education, training, and work experience.
The recommendation addresses a significant decline in youth apprenticeship starts, with the number of under-19s enrolling on apprenticeships almost halving in the past decade. Currently, as few as one in five apprenticeship starts go to 16- to 18-year-olds.
Milburn's final report, which was expected next week, has been delayed until at least November, after the 28 October budget. Downing Street is reportedly considering how to present the report alongside other major reviews and the prime minister's 10-year plan.
The proposed pre-apprenticeship plan would be delivered mainly through further education colleges, combining English and maths with technical learning and hands-on employer experience. Milburn stated the programme would target young people who lack the qualifications, confidence, workplace experience, or routines needed for a full apprenticeship.