More young people across the Liverpool City Region are set to benefit from apprenticeship and employment opportunities following the announcement of £5.7 million in new Government funding.
The investment will expand an existing apprenticeship scheme that has already helped thousands of people begin their careers, while providing additional support for young people who are not in education, employment or training.
Subject to approval at this month’s Liverpool City Region Combined Authority meeting, the funding from the Department for Work and Pensions will help around 1,200 young people access apprenticeships, training and employment opportunities.
Expanding apprenticeship opportunities across the region
The funding will support the expansion of the Combined Authority’s Apprenticeship Brokerage service, which has already helped hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses recruit apprentices.
The scheme allows larger employers to transfer unused Apprenticeship Levy funding to smaller businesses, helping them cover apprenticeship training costs.
Major organisations including Liverpool Football Club, the BBC and Amazon have contributed to the initiative.
So far, more than £20 million in unused funding has been redirected through the scheme, supporting 2,800 apprenticeship starts at over 600 businesses.
Since 2017, more than 74,000 apprenticeships have been created across the Liverpool City Region.
New service to help young people find apprenticeships
A new Local Apprenticeship Service will also be introduced, making it easier for businesses to recruit apprentices and helping young people discover suitable opportunities.
The Combined Authority will work with local councils, employers, colleges and training providers to create clearer routes into apprenticeships and employment.
Plans also include a new clearing system, similar to the UCAS process used for university applications.
Delivered through the Liverpool City Region’s Be More platform, the system will help young people who narrowly miss out on an apprenticeship opportunity find alternative vacancies and access further support.
Supporting young people and local businesses
Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Skills and Employment, welcomed the investment.
She said:
“Too many talented young people are missing out on opportunities, while businesses are struggling to find the skilled workers they need. This funding will help us bridge that gap.
“We’ve already shown that our apprenticeship brokerage model works. This investment allows us to do more of what we know delivers results – helping employers recruit local talent and supporting young people into jobs, training and careers.”
Programme expected to launch in 2027
The Liverpool City Region is among the first areas in the country selected to take part in the new Mayoral Strategic Authority Apprenticeship Brokerage programme.
The region has secured £5,763,110 to support the programme through to March 2029.
Work is underway with local authorities and the Department for Work and Pensions to finalise delivery arrangements.
Subject to approval, the expanded programme is expected to launch in 2027, creating further opportunities for young people to develop skills and begin their careers.
