Listen to this story Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 Become a member to listen to this article Subscribe Skills minister Jacqui Smith recently described apprenticeships as “tougher to come by than Oxbridge places”. Her assessment points to a striking paradox. At the same time as young people’s burgeoning awareness of – and interest in – apprenticeships, starts among young people are down 40 per cent over the past decade and more than one million young people are not earning or learning. Awareness is rising The legislation requires schools to provide at least six encounters with approved technical education or apprenticeship providers for all students from years 8 to 13. Data collected by The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) offers, for the first time, a national picture of delivery. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week subscribe Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.