• Since 2010, the Conservative Government have created a world-class apprenticeship system, delivering over 5.7 million apprenticeships since 2010 and offering more opportunities for young people to gain the skills they need to succeed and helping to grow the economy.
• Building on this strong track record, the Prime Minister has announced that the Conservative Government will fully fund apprenticeships for young people in small businesses from 1 April 2024 and increase the amount of funding that large employers who are paying the Apprenticeship Levy can pass onto other businesses from 25 per cent to 50 per cent.
• The Conservative Government is sticking with the plan to provide more opportunities for young people, ensuring everyone can get the skills they need to secure high-skilled jobs and build a brighter future.

Simon Fell MP has welcomed the Conservative Government’s major package of reforms to support businesses to deliver more apprenticeship places, benefitting local small businesses and young people across Barrow and Furness.

Backed by £60 million of new Government funding for 2024-25, the Conservative Government will fully fund apprenticeships in small businesses from 1 April by paying the full cost of training for anyone up to the age of 21 – reducing costs and burdens for businesses and delivering more opportunities for young people to kickstart their career.

The Conservative Government will also increase the amount of funding that large employers who are paying the Apprenticeship Levy can pass onto other businesses – from 25 per cent of their unused Levy to 50 per cent. Taken together, these measures are expected to enable up to 20,000 more apprenticeships, unlocking the opportunities our young people deserve.

This builds on the Conservative Government’s strong track record of creating a world-class apprenticeship system, with over 5.7 million people starting an apprenticeship since 2010.

The Conservative Government is sticking with the plan to create opportunities for young people while supporting small businesses, building a brighter future where everyone can fulfil their potential.

Commenting, Mr. Fell said:

“Since 2010, we have seen 990 young people in Barrow and Furness start an apprenticeship, meaning hundreds more young people have gained the skills they need to secure good jobs.

“While it’s great that we have large employers in Furness, it is essential that we support SMEs too. Today’s announcement will build on that progress to support even more young people to fulfil their potential, while also helping small businesses make the most of our fantastic local talent and grow the economy.

“The Government is sticking with the plan so that every young person has the opportunity to succeed, building a brighter future for the next generation.”

Commenting, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

“Growing up in my mum’s pharmacy, I know first-hand how important small businesses are. Not just for the economy, but as a driver for innovation and aspiration, and as the key to building a society where hard work is always recognised and rewarded.

“Whether it’s breaking down barriers and red tape for small businesses, helping businesses hire more young people into apprenticeships and skilled jobs or empowering women to start up their own businesses – this government is sticking to the plan and leaving no stone unturned to make the UK the best place to do business.

“Taken together, these measures will unlock a tidal wave of opportunity and make a real difference to businesses and entrepreneurs across the country.”

Commenting, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:

“This Government has built a world-leading apprenticeship system from the ground-up – with apprenticeship opportunities in almost 70 per cent of all occupations across the whole country.

“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for businesses to develop the skills they need, and for young people to access exciting career opportunities.

“Our plan to deliver a high-growth, high-skilled economy is working, with more opportunities available to young people than ever before.”