Remember apprenticeships? Clear pathways, earn-while-you-learn, real jobs with actual futures. Not just slogans, but genuine opportunities that opened doors for thousands of young people every year.
Fast forward to today, and we've somehow misplaced that roadmap. Apprenticeship starts for under-19s have dropped by 37%, and intermediate-level roles have plummeted by 54%. It's as if someone switched off the lights just as young people were stepping onto the career ladder. With traineeships also facing uncertainty, non-academic routes into good jobs seem increasingly elusive.
Meanwhile, tech—once the beacon of entry-level promise—is also facing its own mini-crisis. Entry-level programming roles have shrunk by 68% since pre-pandemic levels. Nearly half of all tech job ads now require degrees, further narrowing the gate. It feels like we've accidentally built a maze instead of a pipeline.
But here's the good news: we know exactly how to fix it.
Apprenticeships consistently deliver impressive returns—up to £25 for every £1 invested at Level 6. But to unlock that value, the Treasury needs to stop sitting on the £800 million in unused levy funds. Imagine the potential if we put that back into growing apprenticeships, supporting employers, and boosting local economies.
Then there's AI. Used thoughtfully, artificial intelligence can streamline hiring and open doors for diverse, talented young people. But it must remain human-driven—never automated to the point of bias. Leading organisations are already showing what's possible. Amazon, for example, successfully piloted AI-driven, skill-based selection processes across the UK, significantly enhancing recruiter efficiency while ensuring fairness. Similar to Day One a recruitment as service solution making these approaches accessible for organisations of all sizes. It simplifies hiring by focusing solely on skills, values, and potential, removing barriers like biased screening and outdated recruitment practices.
Finally, let’s not lose sight of equity, diversity, and inclusion. DE&I isn't just a tick-box exercise; it's about actively creating fairer pathways into work. Transparent processes, skill-first recruitment, and inclusive environments aren't merely ideals; they're achievable realities, and they're happening now.
The truth? The early careers pipeline isn't broken beyond repair—it just needs a clearer roadmap, thoughtful investment, and a collective decision to value potential over pedigree.
Let's find our way back to early careers success. The talent’s out there. Let's open those doors, one apprenticeship at a time.
