Since May last year, Workwhile have been working in partnership with Youth Futures Foundation and Amazing Apprenticeships on a project to increase the number of level 2 and 3 apprenticeships available to young people.

This week – to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week 2026 – we have launched a new collective action campaign. Make it an Apprenticeship asks employers to do just that: to make as many entry level roles apprenticeships as possible.

Why is the campaign needed?

Across the UK, one in eight young people are currently not in employment, education or training (NEET), while employers continue to report significant challenges in finding the skills they need. Entry level employment outcomes for young people and deliver real business value, with 77% of employers reporting improved productivity, and 83% recommending entry-level apprenticeships to others.

What is the campaign asking employers to do?

• Make it an Apprenticeship: Reframe suitable entry-level vacancies as apprenticeship opportunities for young people. • Make it Level 2: Reassess skills requirements and remove unnecessary barriers so more young people can access meaningful roles. • Make more opportunities: Train additional apprentices to strengthen the talent pipeline across your organisation, sector, and supply chain.

What help is available?

The Make it an Apprenticeship website is full of powerful content about the benefits of apprenticeships to employers of all sizes, alongside case studies showing how it all works in practice. Take a look here.

And if you’re a London-based SME, check how Workwhile can support you to create new apprenticeships in your organisation here.