With almost one million young people in the UK not in education, employment or training (NEET), creating accessible routes into work has never been more important. Apprenticeships could play a vital role in helping young people gain experience, build confidence and develop the skills employers need.

The number of young people disconnected from education and employment is a growing concern. An estimated 960,000 people aged 16–24 are currently classified as NEET, with forecasts suggesting this could rise to 1.25 million by the early 2030s.

Perhaps most concerning is that around 45% of 24-year-olds who are NEET have never had a job.

Without opportunities to gain experience, develop workplace skills and build confidence, young people can find themselves caught in a cycle: they need experience to secure employment, but need employment to gain that experience.

Apprenticeships: A first step into employment

Apprenticeships offer a practical way to bridge the gap between education and employment. By combining structured training with real workplace experience, they allow young people to develop skills while earning a wage and working towards a recognised qualification.

Rather than expecting young people to enter the workplace with extensive experience, apprenticeships give them the opportunity to learn on the job, understand employer expectations and develop their professional confidence.

While apprenticeships alone cannot solve the NEET crisis, they can provide an important pathway for young people who are ready to take their first steps into employment.

Level 2 Administration Assistant: Building a foundation for the future

The Level 2 Administration Assistant apprenticeship is an excellent starting point for young adults looking to begin their careers.

Administration skills are needed across almost every industry, from healthcare and logistics to professional services and education. This makes the programme a valuable route into the workplace, particularly for those who are unsure which career path to pursue.

Through the apprenticeship, learners can develop essential skills in communication, organisation, digital systems, teamwork and professional conduct — all while gaining practical experience in a real working environment.

As a Level 2 qualification, it provides a foundation on which young people can build, with opportunities to progress into further training, business administration and other specialist roles as their experience grows.

The real value lies in combining a recognised qualification with the opportunity to learn, contribute and develop within a workplace.

Why employers should invest in young talent

Apprenticeships are not just beneficial for learners. They also offer employers an opportunity to develop the skills their business needs for the future.

Recruiting experienced staff can be costly and competitive. By investing in young people, businesses can nurture talent from the beginning of their careers, helping employees develop an understanding of their systems, processes and expectations.

Of course, apprenticeships require time, supervision and investment. However, when approached as a long-term workforce strategy, they can deliver lasting value for both employers and employees.

The question for businesses is not simply who they need to recruit today, but who they could develop for tomorrow.

Ready to invest in the next generation of talent?

Whether you’re looking to recruit your first apprentice or develop the skills within your existing workforce, DBC Training can help you explore the opportunities available.

Complete the enquiry form below and speak to our team about how apprenticeships could benefit your business and help create opportunities for the next generation.