Foundation Apprenticeships

What are they?

Foundation apprenticeships are jobs with training at Level 2 that provide a broad curriculum focusing on job-specific knowledge and skills, while also developing employability skills and behaviours to support the transition from education to work.

They offer entry-level occupational competence and support employers in key sectors to meet their current and future skills needs.

The first foundation apprenticeships are already available in:

• Construction and the built environment
• Engineering and manufacturing
• Health and Social Care
• Digital

These can also be found on Apprenticeship search / Skills England

Expansion into other occupations

We’re also looking to expand foundation apprenticeships into sectors where young people are traditionally recruited.

We will work with Skills England to identify sectors, such as hospitality and retail, where there is employer demand for foundation apprenticeships and where foundation apprenticeships will be suitable and have clear progression routes. More details will be provided in early 2026.

Funding

We fund foundation apprenticeships in the same way as all other apprenticeships. You can find more information in the funding rules.

Age and duration

• Foundation apprenticeships will be available for young people aged 16-21 and 22 -24  for those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), are a care leaver or prisoner/prison leaver
• Foundation apprenticeships have a minimum duration of 8 months, in line with other apprenticeships. The minimum hours of study for each foundation apprenticeship will be set out in each standard

English and maths requirements

Young people aged 16-18 who do not hold a Level 1 or Level 2 English and maths qualification will be required to study towards the relevant qualification. More detail can be found within the  funding rules.

Employer incentive

Employers can receive up to £2,000 to help with the costs of taking on a young person for a foundation apprenticeship and supporting their progression.

We pay this in three instalments throughout the foundation apprenticeship, with the final payment made when an apprentice progresses onto their next apprenticeship.

The incentive only applies to the first seven foundations apprenticeships in the following sectors:

• Construction and the built environment
• Engineering and manufacturing
• Health and Social Care
• Digital

Decisions on whether future foundation apprenticeship will have an incentive payment will be made on a case-by-case basis and will be set out on each published standard.

More detail can be found within the funding rules.

Progression

On achievement of a foundation apprenticeship, an apprentice can progress onto a more specific or higher-level apprenticeship.  The duration of that apprenticeship may be reduced to take into account the prior learning or experience obtained from the foundation apprenticeship. The next apprenticeship must still have a remaining duration of at least 8 months and comply with off-the-job training requirements.

Each new occupational standard will make possible progression routes clear.

Find out more about the Growth and Skills Levy.

Last updated on 12 December 2025 11:31