Former UK cabinet minister Alan Milburn led a delegation to Dublin to investigate Ireland's rapid reduction in young people not in education, employment or training (Neet), seeking policy lessons for Britain.
The UK government announced plans to create thousands more apprenticeships in England through technical and vocational education reforms, seeking employer feedback on experiences and barriers.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon proposes directing children towards vocational careers such as plumbing and electrical work as early as elementary school. This initiative aims to address the high demand for skilled tradespeople and a labor shortage, particularly with the rapid construction of AI data centers. The proposal revives the divisive concept of 'tracking' students.
Ollie Priestley is undertaking a "heritage vehicle technician" apprenticeship at Tolman, learning to restore classic cars using both traditional and new techniques like 3D printing and CAD. This reflects a broader trend of apprenticeships incorporating advanced technology while maintaining core trade skills, as seen also in Ernest Wright's scissor manufacturing.
The UK government is taking steps to increase apprenticeship opportunities for young people, aiming for 50,000 more young apprentices annually by March 2029. This initiative seeks to reverse a decade-long decline caused by funding shifts towards older workers and existing staff training.
An unemployed man in Wuxi, China, surnamed Wan, ordered fried rice and requested extra due to financial hardship. The restaurant not only provided a larger portion but also offered him an apprenticeship, leading to widespread social media praise for the owner's kindness.
Magdeburg's new accessibility office has received nearly 700 reports since September 2025. Over 1000 apprenticeships have been signed in Saxony-Anhalt, and Prof. Dr. Antje Redlich now leads the University Children's Clinic. Digital Carnets are now available in Europe, and various events are scheduled.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan will announce a plan for a government-owned electricity body to hire electrical apprentices to address workforce shortages. The State Electricity Commission (SEC) will offer 2,000 apprenticeships over four years, with the first intake in January 2027.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan will announce a plan for a government-owned electricity body to hire electrical apprentices to address workforce shortages. The State Electricity Commission (SEC) will offer 2,000 apprenticeships over four years, with the first intake in January 2027.
The US Department of Labor announced the launch of its AI in Registered Apprenticeship Innovation Portal during National Apprenticeship Week. The one-stop resource provides practical tools and actionable guidance to help organizations integrate AI skills into Registered Apprenticeship programs through skill-building resources, industry-specific training, and flexible program pathways. The initiative builds on the department's AI Literacy Framework released earlier this year.
The U.S. Department of Labor announced the launch of the AI in Registered Apprenticeship Innovation Portal, a new website designed to help workers and employers build AI skills and expand AI-focused apprenticeship programs. The portal debuted during National Apprenticeship Week and organizes resources into three areas: AI skills in Registered Apprenticeship, AI skill-building by industry, and integrating AI into programs. It includes training modules for education, finance, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Industry figures express concern that social media cooking videos are discouraging young people from pursuing formal culinary training. Will Murray, former Dinner by Heston chef and owner of Fallow, says apprenticeships are struggling to attract talent as people turn to online content instead of traditional cookery courses. Meanwhile, MasterChef judges Anna Haugh and Grace Dent have criticized unrealistic TikTok recipes that don't work in practice.
A welfare 'apprenticeship penalty' is causing disadvantaged young people to abandon valuable training opportunities, with families losing up to £340 per week in benefits when their 16-year-old enters an apprenticeship. Benefit rules classify apprentices as 'independent workers', stripping parents of child benefit and universal credit elements. The Social Security Advisory Committee warns this forces families to choose between the child's long-term career and short-term financial survival, with some young people becoming NEET as a result. There are now 957,000 NEETs in the UK – the highest level in a decade.
