AI Skills Apprenticeship Programme for Young People at Risk

This pilot programme supports young people at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) into apprenticeships in artificial intelligence, starting September 2026. The initiative aims to provide a direct pathway into employment within frontier technology for disadvantaged young people. Schools will identify suitable candidates using the Risk of NEET Indicator (RONI). Up to 50 selected students will be enrolled before the end of the academic year and participate in a four-week summer programme (funded by DSIT at £90k) covering essential workplace communication and basic AI skills. Following this preparation, participants will be matched with participating employers for apprenticeship placements. The programme expects 50% of enrolled participants to convert into apprenticeship starts, with strong completion rates anticipated for the typically one-year apprenticeships. Funding confirmation for apprenticeship places must be secured by end of June 2026.