UK Jobs Plans: 22,400 Apprenticeships a Year and 40,000 Building Placements
New UK Jobs Plans promise 22,400 under-25 apprenticeships a year in business services and 40,000 construction placements, part of 100,000+ youth openings.
UKIn brief
- Professional and business services firms will offer 22,400 new apprenticeships a year for under-25s for five years.
- Construction will provide 40,000 placements a year, with a new network to help small firms take on apprentices.
- Defence apprenticeships are set to reach at least 14,000 a year by 2035.
- Small firms can get up to £2,000 for hiring an apprentice aged 16 to 24.
| Country | UK |
|---|---|
| Organization | UK Government (Department for Business and Trade, DWP) |
| Official source | GOV.UK – Over 100,000 job and training opportunities a year for young people ✓ gov.uk |
The UK government has published new Jobs Plans for two of its biggest growth sectors, setting out more than 100,000 job and training openings a year for young people. The plans for professional and business services and construction came out on 19 October 2026, with digital and defence plans following the same week.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said too many young people had been shut out of good careers for too long.
The headline numbers
| Sector | What is promised |
|---|---|
| Professional and business services | 22,400 new under-25 apprenticeships a year for five years; 20% more work experience |
| Construction | 40,000 placements a year, part of a 100,000-a-year jobs ambition |
| Defence | At least 14,000 apprenticeships a year by 2035; 25% more routes for young people out of work |
| Small employers | Up to £2,000 for taking on a 16 to 24-year-old apprentice |
Jobs in the government's eight priority sectors pay about £8,000 a year more on average than the rest of the economy, according to the announcement.
Business services: accountancy, law and tech
The professional and business services plan covers accountancy, law, consultancy, business, and fast-growing areas such as AI, cyber security and data analytics. As well as more apprenticeships, employers have signed up to track how they recruit and support young people who are not working or studying, and to be clearer about early-career pay.
Construction: trades and professional routes
Construction placements will include hands-on trades like bricklaying, carpentry, electrical work and plumbing, plus professional paths in engineering, surveying, planning and site management. A new Construction Apprenticeship Network will help smaller building firms, which often struggle with the paperwork, take on apprentices.
Wider support
The plans sit inside a £2.5 billion youth employment package that the government says will create close to one million chances to earn or learn, including 50,000 extra apprenticeships. Employers also pay no National Insurance for apprentices under 25.
How to apply
Apprenticeships in England are advertised on the official Find an apprenticeship service. You can also read the sector plans on GOV.UK.
What it means for job seekers
- Under 25? This is aimed at you. Most of the new places are reserved for young people.
- Big accounting and law firms will expand intakes. Watch their school-leaver and apprentice schemes for 2027 starts.
- Trades are the fastest route in. Construction placements do not need a degree and lead to well-paid skilled work.
- Ask small firms directly. The £2,000 incentive makes it easier for local employers to say yes.
Young people can also look at Amazon UK's pledge of 30,000 jobs for young people.
Frequently asked questions
How many apprenticeships are in the UK Jobs Plans?
22,400 a year for under-25s in professional and business services, plus 40,000 construction placements a year and at least 14,000 defence apprenticeships a year by 2035.
Which jobs do the new UK plans cover?
Accountancy, law, consultancy, AI, cyber security and data roles, plus building trades such as bricklaying, carpentry, electrical work and plumbing.
How do I find a UK apprenticeship?
Search and apply on the official GOV.UK Find an apprenticeship service.
Who are the UK Jobs Plans for?
Mainly young people under 25, including those not in education, employment or training.
Apply only through the official source.
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