We’re excited to announce that from August 2025, we’ll be offering foundation apprenticeships, an innovative new route into the world of work designed to give young people hands-on experience, technical skills and a solid first step on the career ladder.
If you’re a young person thinking about your next move, or an employer looking to invest in fresh talent, this guide will walk you through what foundation apprenticeships are, how they compare to advanced and higher apprenticeships, and how we’re preparing to offer them in key growth sectors.
What is a foundation apprenticeship?
Foundation Apprenticeships are Level 2 programmes that combine employment, technical training and core employability skills. They’re aimed at individuals aged 16 to 21, although some learners aged 22 to 24 are also eligible under specific criteria (such as care experience or an education, health and care plan)
These programmes are designed to last around 8 months, providing a structured introduction to working life and offering a stepping stone into further training, education or employment.
Key features
- Level: 2 (GCSE equivalent)
- Duration: Approximately 8 months
- Start date: From August 2025
- Eligibility: Primarily 16-21, with some exceptions up to age 24
- Employment: apprentices must be employed either directly or via a flexi-job apprenticeship agency
- Maths & English: Support provided where needed; assessments are optional for those aged 19-24
How do they compare to other apprenticeships?
Foundation apprenticeships are distinct from advanced (Level 3) and higher (Level 4+) apprenticeships.
They are shorter, more focused on entry level training, and are designed to help learners build confidence and gain experience before progressing further.
They offer a structured supported route into work – particularly valuable for young people who may not yet be ready for more advanced programmes or full-time roles.
Pathways we’re developing
We’re currently engaging with employers in the following sectors to shape curriculum delivery that meets real business needs. Our focus is on practical roles with strong long term demand:
- Construction
- Digital
- Health and Social Care
- Engineering
- Green industries
Benefits for employers
- Early access to new talent
- Support in shaping future skills
- Up to £2,000 in DfE funding per apprentice
- Improved retention and natural progression into higher level roles
By working with us, employers can help develop training that aligns directly with the skills they’re looking for, while also gaining support and incentives for bringing new people into their teams.
Incentives and funding
Employers who take on a foundation apprentice may be eligible for:
- £2000 incentive, paid in three stages:
- £667 after 90 days
- £667 after 242 days
- £666 if the apprentice progresses to a new apprenticeship within six months
Additional funding is available for apprentices aged 16-18 and for those who have been in care.
Oversight and Development
These apprenticeships are being developed by the department for Education (DfE) and the institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE), with input from industry experts, training providers and professional bodies.
Ready to get involved?
We’re currently connecting with employers to help shape how foundation apprenticeships are delivered in 2025. If you’re interested in working with us to design programmes that reflect your sector’s needs or if you want to find out more about how this could work for you or your organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
