A crucial moment for apprenticeships in the UK

National Apprenticeship Week (09-15 February) arrives at a time when the number of “NEETs” (young adults not in employment, education, or training) is rising, approaching one million.

The government has announced new measures designed to “unlock opportunities for young people across the country.”

These include pilots to redirect “near-‑miss” applicants to similar apprenticeship roles, a new online platform to boost visibility of vacancies, and reforms that position apprenticeships on equal footing with university pathways.

Together, these steps aim to create 50,000 additional opportunities for young people and support a more resilient skills pipeline.

Why apprenticeships matter for the food and drink industry

As one of the UK’s largest private sector employers, the food and drink industry continues to face recruitment pressures, particularly in frontline, technical, and early career roles. Apprenticeships offer structured entry routes into roles spanning engineering, manufacturing, food production, digital operations, and logistics.

Apprenticeships offer structured entry routes into roles spanning engineering, manufacturing, food production, digital operations, and logistics.

They remain a vital mechanism for building a steady flow of skilled talent, especially as skills needs evolve.

IGD’s role in strengthening early‑career pathways

IGD is already playing a key part in building this pipeline. Through initiatives such as Mmmake Your Mark, IGD works with industry partners to:

• Raise awareness of career routes

• Connect young people with employers

• Build skills and confidence in early career talent‑career talent

During National Apprenticeship Week, this includes virtual workshops, employer case studies, and apprentice-led storytelling to inspire and inform future entrants to the industry.

Government reforms supporting industry needs

The government’s renewed focus on accessible, high-quality apprenticeships aligns closely with IGD’s work.

By improving visibility, smoothing entry routes, and helping young adults to understand progression opportunities, government reforms create conditions for more young people to enter food and drink, where skilled workers are needed urgently.

Looking ahead: building a future‑ready workforce

As labour pressures continue and skill requirements shift, apprenticeships will grow in importance. National Apprenticeship Week is therefore a chance not only to celebrate the businesses, apprentices and programmes driving progress, but also to encourage deeper collaboration across the food and drink industry.

A strong apprenticeship pipeline is essential for creating a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready workforce.