Blog

The government’s renewed focus on apprenticeships for under 21’s marks a significant shift in helping young people enter the world of work. With funding for foundation-level programmes, more doors can open for the next generation.  
 

But alongside new routes to employment, there must be robust mental health support to ensure young people are equipped not just to enter work – but to thrive in it.  

We understand the challenges young people face when starting out in their careers. For many, apprenticeships mark the first step into adult life, bringing with them pressure to perform, manage finances, and establish a sense of identity in the workplace. These transitions, while exciting, can also be emotionally demanding. The Association of Apprentices found that 62% of apprentices reported feeling stressed or anxious in the past year and common challenges included work/life balance (36%), time management (33%), and completing and recording off-the-job training (32%).  

It’s why we believe mental health support should be embedded from day one of any apprenticeship or employment journey. 

 

Recent figures show that economic inactivity among 16–24-year-olds remains high, with mental health commonly cited as a key barrier to employment. Apprenticeships can be a powerful solution to this challenge – but only if young people are given the support they need to engage, learn and grow.   

 

Employers who build mental health strategies into their apprenticeship programmes — such as offering access to confidential advice services, peer networks, or trained mentors — are not only supporting individuals, they’re helping to build more resilient, inclusive, productive teams. Companies that foster a culture of open communication and mental health awareness see a 20% increase in employee retention rates and 52% of employees feel more engaged and productive when their organisation offers mental health resources. 

 

As highlighted in the Government’s Get Britain Working white paper, there will be an independent review of how UK employers promote health and inclusive workplaces. This is a critical opportunity for organisations to ensure their support structures reflect the needs of the next generation. 

Ingeus leads Able Futures, a nationwide strategic partnership delivering the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service. Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, this national mental health support service offers flexible, confidential support for employees — including apprentices — in small and medium enterprises at no cost to the employer. It’s designed to complement existing workplace wellbeing strategies, helping organisations take a proactive approach to mental health. 

To harness the true value apprenticeships offer both apprentices and the business, employers need to:  
 

 

Embedding mental health support into early career pathways helps employers respond to the needs of a changing workforce and empowers young people to thrive, today and into the future.  

To learn more about how Able Futures can support your organisation, visit our employer information page.