Rising UK Unemployment For Young People: Why NowSkills Apprenticeships Are The Answer
The latest UK labour market data paints a challenging picture for young people. National UK unemployment has risen to 5.2%, reflecting ongoing instability across the economy at the end of 2025. For young people aged 16–24, the situation is even tougher: youth unemployment has reached 15.9%, an increase of 6,000 compared with the previous year. With fewer entrylevel roles and more competition for every job, young people are facing one of the hardest job markets in years. [ons.gov.uk] [youthemplo…ent.org.uk]
Yet, despite rising UK unemployment, one area continues to grow: apprenticeships.
According to recent data, apprenticeship starts rose by 7% in the 2023/24 academic year, reaching 130,830 new apprentices, with learners under 19 making up nearly a third of all starts. This surge highlights a clear trend—young people are turning to apprenticeship programmes as a practical, debtfree path into meaningful careers. [accessindustry.co.uk]
Why Apprenticeships Are Becoming the Smartest Career Choice
Apprenticeships offer a powerful combination of handson experience, structured training, and financial stability. Unlike university routes, apprentices earn a salary while learning and avoid tuition debt entirely. For learners entering a tightening job market, this “earn while you learn” model provides certainty, real experience, and a direct link to longterm employment.
NowSkills: Building the Next Generation of Digital & Tech Talent
At NowSkills, we specialise in helping learners start exciting careers in fastgrowing digital, IT, and businessfocused roles. Our programmes are designed with employers, ensuring every apprentice builds jobready skills that organisations urgently need.
Our key apprenticeship pathways include:
- Content Creator: Learn social media strategy, video creation, digital campaigns, and how to use AI tools to enhance productivity and creativity.
- MultiChannel Marketer: Dive into digital advertising, SEO, analytics, email marketing, and AIdriven marketing automation.
- Data Analyst: Develop skills in data modelling, dashboards, Excel, Python, and business insights.
- Data Technician: Learn data processing, database fundamentals, and essential analysis skills for entrylevel data roles.
- Network Engineer: Build skills in network configuration, troubleshooting, security, and infrastructure management.
- Information Communications Technician: Gain expertise in IT support, troubleshooting, system maintenance, and customer service.
- Business Analyst: Understand business processes, project delivery, requirements gathering, and digital transformation.
These apprenticeships directly align with growing UK digitalskills demand – giving learners a competitive edge in a changing job market.
How to Apply for a NowSkills Apprenticeship
Applying is simple:
- Visit our application page here.
- Submit a quick online application—no previous experience required for most Level 3 pathways.
- Complete a skills assessment so we can match you with the best course and employer.
- Interview with employers who are actively seeking motivated new talent.
- Start your apprenticeship, earn a salary, and begin building your future career.
A Strong Future Despite a Challenging Job Market
With UK unemployment rising and competition intensifying, apprenticeships offer young people a stable, debtfree, and futureproof path into highgrowth careers. NowSkills continues to support this growing demand, empowering learners with realworld skills and helping employers develop the talent they need most.
