Apprentices to contribute £25 billion to economy, finds government research

Apprentices in England are expected to add £25 billion to the economy over their lifetime, according to new government figures, almost double the contribution of the previous assessment in 2018.

Figures are for apprentices who were participating in an apprenticeship at levels 2 to 5 in the 2021-22 academic year. The last time the long-term economic impact of apprentices was assessed in 2018, their contributions across their working lives was estimated at just £14 billion. Recently published data has also revealed apprenticeship starts rose by 1.3% and achievements rose by 1.1%.

The research comes as the government reaffirms its commitment to apprenticeships and during National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from 10th to 16th February 2025. It also follows the announcement of further reforms to apprenticeships, including giving greater flexibility for employers to waive Maths and English requirements for learners, as well as a cut in the minimum duration of courses in response to feedback from businesses.

New apprenticeships have also been announced to address skills needs in the clean energy sector, including for wind turbine technicians and heat network maintenance technicians.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:

“We need to take skills seriously as a country again, and the measures we’ve taken this week to slash red tape and boost the number of apprentices, show how we will deliver on this and break down the barriers to opportunity for our young people.

“Apprenticeships are key to delivering our number one mission of growth and on the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, as evidenced today by their increasing value to the economy which will continue to rise thanks to our reforms.

“As National Apprenticeship Week draws to a close, it’s vital therefore that schools, colleges and businesses continue to champion apprenticeships, and this government will back them all the way.“

The government has also launched a new “one stop shop” app to improve how apprentices can access training and support.

The Your Apprenticeship mobile app, designed by the DfE with extensive input from apprentices, provides easier access to essential tools, resources, and support to help apprentices to thrive in their qualification. They will be able to track their apprenticeship through the app, ensuring they have learnt all the necessary knowledge and skills and they need to progress into skilled work and help drive Britain’s economic growth.