DWP Call for Evidence on Apprenticeships

3 Sep 2026

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is gathering evidence to support the Milburn Review, which is considering how government can improve opportunities and outcomes for young people. As part of this work, the DWP is looking specifically at the barriers and additional costs SME employers face when recruiting, training and retaining younger apprentices aged under 25.

The DWP is looking for practical insight into:

The additional costs associated with recruiting, training, supporting and retaining younger apprentices compared with those aged 25+.
The financial scale of these costs and how employers experience or calculate them.
How costs vary by apprenticeship Standard, level or age.
Whether particular groups of younger apprentices require additional support, supervision, mentoring or resources.

There is also an opportunity for SME employers to participate in a one-hour discussion with the DWP policy team on Wednesday 9 September, 3:00–4:00pm. If you would like to take part, please contact Steven Heaton at Steven.Heaton1@dwp.gov.uk, who will provide the Teams link.

With so many SMEs across our sector, this is a valuable opportunity for the RACHP industry to highlight the breadth of apprenticeship investment taking place and the commitment employers are making to developing future talent.

If you want to help demonstrate the industry's important role in delivering the UK's skills agenda, please complete the form below and share it with your network.

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=6fbxllcQF0GsKIDN_ob4w6aM6maPARtBmvm2LqLNbYpUNjkzNk83SFJPTkY1U0ZKR0kwRjNTSU5CVi4u&route=shorturl