How can providers maximise trainees’ progressions into apprenticeships and jobs?

Learning and Work Institute was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to identify effective practice that enables young people to progress from a traineeship to an apprenticeship or employment.

The findings are from research undertaken between January 2017 and March 2017. These resources showcase effective approaches and provide insight into ways in which providers can boost their progression rates.

The key message is that no one size fits all – young people have different barriers to employment, and employers have different needs and demands upon their time. Providers with the highest rates of progression are able to adapt their models to meet the needs of individual trainees and employers.

13 March 2026

Training and skills needs: Trends and challenges in UK growth sectors

This report, the second in a series of publications funded by Nuffield Foundation, explores the level of estimated skills needs in UK businesses alongside the level and type of training that employers provide.

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13 March 2026

UK’s training and skills ‘tick-box culture’ puts at risk job mobility and future growth, new report warns

New analysis has identified an overreliance on mandatory and compliance training in UK workplaces compared to other countries – at the expense of more in-depth upskilling required for the jobs of the future.

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2 March 2026

When it comes to lifelong learning, are we any closer to the College of the Future?

Stephen Evans, Chief Executive at Learning and Work Institute, reflects on the role of colleges in providing adults with opportunity and agency throughout their lives.

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2 March 2026

Why adult education is an investment, not a cost

David Hughes, CEO at the Association of Colleges, sets out why a well-funded, high-quality adult education system is beneficial to society and the economy.

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26 February 2026

New innovation trial offers young Londoners with health conditions tailored support to get ‘work ready’

Shaw Trust is funding and designing a new service to help young people with a health condition or disability get ‘work ready.’ The innovation trial will be evaluated by L&W and launched in partnership with the West London Alliance.

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26 February 2026

Responding to the latest NEET data, February 2026

Learning and Work Institute chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the NEET data released on 26 February 2026.

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17 February 2026

Labour market dashboard

Every month, Learning and Work Institute produces detailed and timely analysis of the latest labour market statistics from ONS. Explore our interactive charts.

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22 December 2025

From confusion to clarity: rethinking England’s 670 occupational standards

L&W’s Stephen Evans and Pearson’s Donna Ford-Clarke reflect on findings from our recent research on England’s occupational standards – of which there are now more than double the number in countries like Germany and Switzerland.

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16 December 2025

Responding to Alan Milburn’s investigation into young people not earning or learning

Sam Avanzo Windett, Deputy Director at Learning and Work Institute, responds to the launch of Alan Milburn’s investigation into young people not earning or learning.

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