The government has announced a major youth employment drive, backed by £1 billion, to create over 200,000 jobs for young people and expand apprenticeship opportunities. At the Growth Company, we’re here to help employers make the most of these changes.
What’s changing for employers
The government’s “New Deal” for young people introduces a range of financial incentives and expanded programmes:
- £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for employers hiring 18–24-year-olds who have been unemployed and claiming Universal Credit for six months
- Expanded Jobs Guarantee, now covering ages 18–24, creating over 90,000 subsidised roles
- £2,000 apprenticeship incentive for SMEs hiring apprentices aged 16–24
Apprenticeship funding changes: what you need to know
As part of wider reforms to the Growth and Skills Levy, the government is reprioritising funding towards areas of highest economic need.
This includes the defunding of 16 apprenticeship standards, which includes 3 programmes delivered by the Growth Company:
- Team Leader Level 3
- Operations Manager Level 5
- Improvement Practitioner Level 4
What this means:
- New starts on these programmes will no longer be levy-funded from September 2026
- There may be caps on enrolments before this deadline
- Funding will likely operate on a first come, first served basis
This is a significant shift for employers currently using these pathways to develop leadership and operational capability.
New programme development: Level 2 Administration
A new Level 2 Administration apprenticeship is set to launch in August 2026, with:
- A funding band of £4,000
- Availability for learners aged 16–24 only
We're launching this programme in August 2026 which will provide an accessible entry route into business administration and aligns closely with employer demand for early careers talent.
How the Growth Company can support you
The Growth Company is here to help you navigate these changes and make the most of available funding.
We offer:
- A free recruitment service to help you find the right apprentice or candidate
- Expert guidance on accessing funding and incentives
- A wide range of apprenticeships and training programmes
- Ongoing support to ensure successful outcomes for your business and your people