Apprenticeships are back on the agenda
And Coach Core is ready
Yesterday’s Government announcements of 120,000 new training opportunities and a record £3bn apprenticeship budget show apprenticeships are finally being recognised as vital to rebuilding the UK workforce. But while this renewed focus is welcome, success depends not just on creating more opportunities but on ensuring the right support systems are in place, especially for small and medium-sized employers (SMEs).
“We welcome the drive to increase apprenticeship opportunities — but numbers alone aren’t enough. If we want these roles to be inclusive and impactful, we must match that ambition with practical and financial support for the employers who make them possible. For small charities and community organisations, especially, it’s the difference between taking on an apprentice or not. At Coach Core, we know that when employers are backed properly, apprenticeships don’t just open doors for young people — they transform whole communities.”
Supporting Young People Means Supporting Employers Too
Coach Core’s employer research shows that 60% of partners would not have recruited an apprentice without the additional support we provided. This is particularly true for SMEs, who often face capacity and funding challenges when trying to support those furthest from the job market. Our model provides wraparound support — including training for staff, regular employer contact, and on-the-ground relationship management — that makes the difference between intention and action. As one of our employers put it:
“We wouldn’t have been able to deliver an apprenticeship without Coach Core. The structure, the support, and the team have made all the difference.”
– LS-TEN (Leeds)
Apprentices Who Add Value, Not Just Fill Gaps
Over 90% of Coach Core employers say our apprentices bring fresh insight, energy, and a deep understanding of the communities they serve. What’s more, our model helps these young people re-engage with education, reduce isolation, and boost physical and mental wellbeing in others — creating a ripple effect far beyond the apprenticeship itself.
More than a third of Coach Core apprentices support mental health-focused interventions or inclusive sport programmes, with many drawing on their own lived experience to connect with others. From running women’s wellbeing groups to helping young people exit criminal exploitation, these apprentices are driving change from within their own communities.
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These Government announcements are welcome, but the finer details will decide whether they are successful or not. Coach Core will be working with others to lobby for impactful changes to a system that should be much more effective than it currently is. And we will continue supporting employers to create inclusive, high-quality roles, and helping young people turn opportunity into lasting impact.