Plan to make firms pay more to train older workers than youth apprentices in England

The government is exploring a major shift in apprenticeship funding to address rising youth unemployment, with proposals to significantly increase training costs for older workers. Under the planned changes, employers would face higher fees—up to 25% more—for training apprentices over 25, aiming to steer businesses toward hiring and developing younger workers. The move comes as part of an effort to revitalize the apprenticeship system, originally introduced by the previous administration. Critics and employers may now weigh in on whether the financial incentive will effectively reverse the decline in youth employment opportunities.

Exclusive: Ministers considering overhaul of apprenticeship funding scheme to tackle youth jobs crisisEmployers in England are to be forced to pay more to train an older worker than a youth apprentice under plans being drawn up by the government to tackle the youth jobs crisis.The Guardian understands ministers plan to overhaul Labour’s apprenticeship funding scheme to increase the cost of training by 25% for a worker over the age of 25 in order to encourage businesses to train young people instead. Continue reading...