£725 million package unveiled to support apprenticeships 11 Dec 2025The government recently unveiled a £725 million package aimed at supporting apprenticeships and combating youth unemployment. The package of reforms for the apprenticeship system will aid in tackling unemployment and driving economic growth, the government said. It will help match skills training with local job opportunities and assist SMEs with the costs of apprenticeships. In a press release, the government stated that the apprenticeship reforms will 'simplify and modernise the apprenticeship system, making it more efficient and responsive to the needs of employers and learners'. The reforms will help to create a new wave of foundation apprenticeships in sectors such as retail and hospitality to get more young people into work. Commenting on the announcement, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: 'This funding is a downpayment on young people's futures and the future of the country, creating real pathways into good jobs and providing work experience, skills training and guaranteed employment.'