In May 2004, the government announced the arrival of the Young Apprenticeship programme.

This announcement highlighted the governments drive to offer more young people in the UK , the opportunity to learn more skills. Charles Clarke, former Education and Skills secretary exclaimed that:

“The new ‘Young Apprenticeships' represents one of the most exciting developments for young people since the introduction of GCSEs in 1986…”

"Exciting development for young people"

The programme was launched in September 2004, with 1000 pupils embarking on Young Apprenticeships across many different industry sectors. Due to the programme's success, there will be a total of 12.500 young people embarking on a YA across 14 sectors.

Young Apprenticeships are just one part of a wider strategy to bring vocational learning into mainstream of secondary education. By addressing diverse needs, the programme offers additional choice. Aimed at 14–16 year olds of good ability, the programme is for pupils who are attracted to a more practical style of learning and who are keen to gain a taste of ‘real work' in a supported way. The pupils are based in school and follow core National Curriculum subjects, but for two days a week (or equivalent), over a two year period, they also work towards nationally recognised qualifications in the workplace and spend 50 days in a fully supported work placement.

The Young Apprenticeship programme in Business & Administration is one of the most popular amongst Young Apprentices with a high percentage of pupils opting for apprenticeship in this sector. The programme provides pupils with a realistic insight into today's business environment. By carrying out administrative tasks and understanding the workings of an office the pupil will understand the nature and demands of full-time work, which will help them to make better informed decisions upon completion of GCSEs. The pupil will also develop essential business and administration skills and knowledge, and will work towards an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) and a work-related qualification in Business & Administration at Level 2 such as a Technical Certificate.