The government is extending its Mayoral Strategic Authority apprenticeship brokerage pilots to all 14 areas with a directly elected mayor, backed by an extra £100 million. It follows the Chancellor’s 28 September announcement that mayors will lead expanded local brokerage

The services give locally tailored support to employers who want to create apprenticeships and navigate the system. They also connect 16 to 24 year olds with vacancies, particularly those who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET

The first wave is the Greater London Authority, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, South Yorkshire, Tees Valley, West Midlands and West of England, with delivery expected from early 2027. Further areas join from spring 2027, with more detail due at the Budget

It sits alongside the £2,000 hiring payment for non levy employers, which is now available. It applies to apprentices aged 16 to 24 who start on or after 1 October and joined the employer within the previous 90 days