WTPN Launches Apprenticeships West Programme to Safeguard Careers Support for Young People

Louise Holland Business West
09 September 2025

With the government’s ASK programme ending earlier this year, thousands of young people in the West of England face losing access to vital apprenticeship guidance. To make sure no young person is left behind, the Western Training Provider Network (WTPN), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting education and skills — is stepping in with the launch of the Apprenticeships West Programme.

Putting young people first
 

For years, the ASK programme has helped schools, parents, and students understand apprenticeship pathways. With no national or regional replacement planned, there is now a serious risk that many young people will miss life-changing opportunities.

This comes at a particularly challenging time:

  • 37% fewer apprenticeship starts for under-19s since 2016
  • 54% fewer entry-level opportunities at Levels 2 and 3
  • Teachers, careers lead, and parents often lack the resources or training to provide in-depth guidance


Vanessa Louise Boyce from WTPN said, “We know how overwhelming career choices can feel for young people and their families. At WTPN, we care deeply about ensuring every student — no matter their background — has access to clear, expert advice so they can take confident steps into their future.”

How the programme will help

Launching in September, the Apprenticeships West Programme will partner with over 50 schools across the region to deliver:

  • Engaging assemblies and workshops to raise awareness of apprenticeship options
  • One-to-one guidance for students exploring pathways
  • Support and training for teachers and careers leads
  • Resources for parents to help them support informed choices


“Many of our students want to get into work rather than go to college but do not have the support they need at home. An external service like this is vital in helping us guide our students towards the right opportunities". Careers Lead, Patchway Community School

“Without this service, we wouldn’t have the up-to-date professional knowledge to support disadvantaged students.” - Montpelier School

Community-Led, Not-for-Profit
 

WTPN represents a trusted network of over 45 local training providers, colleges, universities, and charities. As a not-for-profit organisation, WTPN exists to champion education and skills development for the benefit of young people and communities.

Through the government-backed ASK programme, WTPN has supported over 87,000 students in the past six years and is consistently rated “excellent” by schools. The new Apprenticeships West Programme builds on this record, providing continuity and stability while helping schools strengthen their own careers provision.

A Call for Collective Support
 

To make the programme sustainable and reach every school that needs help, WTPN is seeking to raise £75,000 over the next year.

By supporting Apprenticeships West, businesses, employers, and regional partners can play a vital role in:

  • Equipping young people with knowledge, confidence, and skills
  • Ensuring no student misses apprenticeship opportunities
  • Strengthening the future workforce of the West of England


“This is about working together as a community. With the backing of local employers and partners, we can ensure every young person has the tools and guidance they need to thrive.” - Vanessa Louise Boyce, WTPN


Matt Tudge, Head of Skills, Business West -   “Employers across our region need talented young people to thrive, and young people need clear pathways into those opportunities. That is why Business West is proud to be a founding member of Apprenticeships West. This scheme will play a vital role in connecting businesses with the next generation of talent and strengthening the skills base our region depends on.”


Alex Richards, Managing Director, WTPN - “Apprenticeships West is about creating a lasting legacy of opportunity, creating a system that schools can use self-sufficiently in the future. We have seen first-hand how good careers guidance can be, and we are determined that no young person in our region is left without support just because national funding has ended. This is about giving schools, parents, and employers the tools to build a stronger, more connected skills system for the West of England. For employers who fund the program, its about showcasing their amazing opportunities and creating their supply chain of talent into the future, playing the longer game which is ultimately more sustainable and rewarding”

Get Involved
 

For details on becoming a funder or to learn more about the Apprenticeships West Programme, visit WTPN's website here. 

Together, we can make sure the next generation of talent is supported, confident, and ready to succeed.