The latest UK unemployment figures show something we can’t ignore: young people are being hit the hardest.
While overall unemployment has risen, the rate for 16–24year olds now sits at 16.1%*, the highest figure in just over a decade. For many young people, getting that first step into work is becoming tougher than ever.
But there is a practical, positive way businesses can make a real difference - and benefit at the same time.
Why are young people struggling to find work?
A few things are happening at once:
- Many employers are being cautious with hiring due to economic uncertainty
- Young people often lack the experience employers look for
- While some industries are facing skills shortages, they lack confidence in inexperienced young people believing they don’t have the time to train them
- As of September 2025, 946,000 people aged 16-24 were NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training). **
This combination leaves a lot of motivated young people stuck on the sidelines, unsure how to break into the world of work.
Apprenticeships: a win-win for businesses and young people
Apprenticeships offer a simple, effective solution. They give young people the chance to earn, learn and build confidence while giving businesses a steady pipeline of fresh talent.
Here’s why more employers are turning to apprenticeships:
1. You can grow your own talent
Instead of competing for experienced hires, you can train someone from the ground up. Apprentices learn your systems, your standards and your ways of working.
2. Apprentices bring energy and new ideas
Young people often bring creativity, digital skills and a fresh perspective - all valuable in a fast-changing world of work.
3. You get a dedicated learning coach
A learning coach supports both the apprentice and their manager, ensuring smooth onboarding, high-quality training and reduced pressure on your team. This makes it easier to bring in new talent and set them up for success, and reduced pressure on your team
4. It’s cost effective‑effective
Government support and funding can significantly reduce training costs, making apprenticeships an affordable way to build your workforce.
5. Apprentices tend to stay longer
When someone starts their career with you, they’re more likely to grow with your business.
Why now is the perfect time to get involved
With youth unemployment rising, apprenticeships are more important than ever. They give young people a fair chance to start their careers and help businesses fill skills gaps in a sustainable, long-term way.
Invest in your business, hire an apprentice
Whether you’re an SME or a large organisation with a levy pot, now is the perfect time to explore how Total People can support you. Recruiting an apprentice is an investment in your business, your community and the future workforce.
We have a strong track record of helping companies gift levy funding to SMEs, enabling them to bring new talent into their teams. We also support SMEs in accessing funded training that helps them grow and upskill their workforce.
Total People offer a wide range of opportunities for both young people and employers. From funded short courses designed with businesses to tackle hard to fill roles, to apprenticeship programmes from Level 2 through to Level 7, we provide tailored, fully funded training solutions that help you recruit, develop and retain great people.
*UK unemployment rate hits near five-year high as wage growth slows - BBC News
** What does Neet stand for and how many are there in the UK? - BBC News
