An NFER study has found that minimum English and maths entry requirements for the majority of intermediate and advanced apprenticeships are preventing many young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, from accessing apprenticeships. The report highlights how low wages are also a barrier to the recruitment and retention of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds on apprenticeships, and that high travel costs may discourage many from applying for more specialised opportunities not available in their local area. These barriers, the report says, will likely worsen under the current cost of living crisis.
