Foundation apprenticeships – new from August 2025

Foundation apprenticeships – new from August 2025

From 1 August 2025, foundation apprenticeships will be available in England. They are open to young people aged 16 to 21. Some people up to age 25 can also apply if they are a care leaver, a prisoner or prison leaver, or if they have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

What is a foundation apprenticeship?

A foundation apprenticeship is a paid job with training. It lasts at least 8 months and is set at level 2 (the same as GCSEs). You will:

• Work with an employer and get real job experience.

• Learn technical skills linked to a job role.

• Build employability skills like teamwork and problem solving.

• Gain a qualification that is recognised across the country.

• Improve English and maths if you need extra support.

This type of apprenticeship helps you move from school or college into work. It can also be the first step into a higher apprenticeship or further study.

Where can you do one?

The first foundation apprenticeships will be offered in:

Construction and the built environment

• Building services engineering

• Finishing trades

• Onsite trades

Engineering and manufacturing

• Engineering and manufacturing

Health and social care

• Health and social care

Digital

• Hardware, network and infrastructure

• Software and data

Why choose a foundation apprenticeship?

For you

• Earn money while learning.

• Gain confidence and work-ready skills.

• Start on a path to more training or a future career.

For employers

• Take on and train new talent.

• Receive up to £2,000 in funding to support training.

• Help young people take their first step into work.