With Foundation Apprenticeships going live at the start of the month (1 August 2025) we are delighted to be able to share our first piece of research, which focuses on the newly launched Foundation Apprenticeship.
Foundation Apprenticeships offer individuals aged 16 to 21 – or up to 24 years of age if they have an EHCP, are a care leaver, or have been in prison – the opportunity to gain structured training in a particular occupational area or job role whilst being paid. They have been designed to help young people (especially school and college leavers) take their first steps into the world of work.
Produced in partnership with the Provider Networks Community of Practice (CoP), of which the Devon & Cornwall Training Providers Network (DCTPN) is a founding member, the research reveals key findings from the 60 providers surveyed from across the country.
The research aims to understand Provider appetite for the product and to learn what support Providers feel they need in order to ensure that Foundation Apprenticeships are recognised, understood and taken up by individuals and employers.
Key Findings at a Glance
Delivery Readiness:
- 50% planning to deliver from now (August/September 2025)
- 35% not participating initially
- 15% still considering whether to participate
Top Sectors Leading the Way:
- Construction & Health & Social Care both at 58%
- Engineering/Manufacturing at 32%
- Digital at 18%
Employer Engagement Confidence:
- A promising 67% of providers feel confident about securing employer buy-in
As positive as this looks, providers also shared with us their concerns about this new product, part of the apprenticeship family. In order for them to succeed and provide the opportunities they have been developed to deliver, providers feel that the following areas need to be addressed as a matter of urgency:Â
Implementation Challenges to Address
While the research highlights promising levels of engagement and confidence, providers also raised several concerns that need urgent attention:
- Awareness Gap: Providers highlight “urgent need for national marketing” to raise visibility
- Guidance Clarity: Requirements for clearer information on curriculum, funding, and assessment
- Support Systems: Concerns around Additional Learning Support and essential English & Maths provision
- Employer Incentives: Calls for financial incentives and public sector recruitment targets
Since the launch of Foundation Apprenticeships in August 2025, providers have been engaging with the new programme in real time. Many have begun to implement the offer and are already learning what works well and where further clarity or support may be required. The feedback we’ve collected so far captures this early experience and gives a valuable snapshot of the national picture.
We look forward to continuing this dialogue and sharing further updates in early 2026. In the meantime, we invite all providers to access the full report and to join our upcoming events, where we will explore implementation in more depth and hear directly from those delivering Foundation Apprenticeships on the ground.
Who is in the Provider Networks of Community of Practice (CoP).
The Provider Networks Community of Practice consists of:
- Alex Miles FIEP, Managing Director of Yorkshire Learning Providers
- Charlotte Jones, Head of Operations at GMLPN
- Sharron Robbie MBE, Chief Executive Officer of Devon & Cornwall Training Providers Network
- Sue Taylor, Network Manager at ALP SOUTH EAST (ASSOCIATION OF LEARNING PROVIDERS S.E.)
Find out more about the Provider Networks Community of Practice.
