The first Foundation Apprenticeships officially launched on Friday 1 August 2025 and are now available for delivery, opening up fresh opportunities for employers across key sectors to build early-career talent pipelines.
This marks an important milestone in the government’s reform of the skills system, designed to widen access to apprenticeships and provide young people with a high-quality route into work.
What are foundation apprenticeships?
Foundation Apprenticeships are Level 2 programmes designed to give young people aged 16–21 a structured route into employment. Eligibility extends up to age 24 for those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or who are care leavers.
Unlike longer apprenticeship programmes, Foundation Apprenticeships typically last around eight months, allowing employers to bring in new talent quickly while providing structured technical and workplace training. They combine:
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Technical knowledge
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Employability behaviours
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English and maths support