Recruitment continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing adult social care. Finding compassionate people who want to build a long-term career in the sector isn't getting any easier.
But with new Employer incentives being introduced and growing recognition of the value that young people bring to the workforce, there has never been a better time to invest in the next generation of care professionals.
At Realise, we're working with employers across England to help them make the most of these opportunities by combining funded apprenticeships with practical workforce development that supports both recruitment and retention.
Many employers still assume that people aged 16 and 17 are unable to work in adult social care. In reality, that's simply not true.
Skills for Care's guidance explains that young people can work across adult social care settings, including residential, supported living, community and domiciliary care, provided employers have the appropriate support and safeguards in place.
Rather than seeing age as a barrier, employers should see it as an opportunity.
Young people often bring enthusiasm, compassion, digital confidence and a willingness to learn. They haven't developed bad habits from previous roles and can grow alongside your organisation, developing the skills, values and behaviours that matter most to the people you support.*
With the right mentoring and supervision, today's apprentice could become tomorrow's senior carer, deputy manager or registered manager.
Recruiting younger people isn't about lowering standards. It's about providing the right support.
Skills for Care recommends treating young recruits as an additional member of the team while they develop confidence and competence. This includes assigning mentors or buddies, ensuring appropriate supervision, assessing competence before independent working and following legislation around working hours.
These are all things many high-performing care providers already do for new starters.
Creating a supportive environment not only helps younger employees succeed but often improves the onboarding experience for every member of the workforce.*
*Source: Skills for Care – Employing workers aged 16 and 17
At Realise, our apprenticeship programmes are designed around this approach, helping employers develop confident, competent care professionals from the very beginning.
Alongside the workforce benefits, recent Government changes have made employing young apprentices even more financially attractive.
As highlighted in our recent funding update, from 1 August 2026, non-levy employers no longer contribute towards apprenticeship training costs for apprentices aged 16 to 24. Instead, the Government fully funds training and assessment up to the funding band maximum.
Then, from 1 October 2026, eligible non-levy employers may also receive £2,000 for every new apprentice aged 16 to 24 they recruit, paid in two instalments of £1,000 after 90 days and 365 days in learning.
Combined with employer National Insurance relief for eligible apprentices under 25, these changes significantly reduce the cost of recruiting and developing young talent.
For employers looking to grow sustainably, it's an opportunity that's difficult to ignore.
Recruitment shouldn't simply be about filling today's vacancies.
By recruiting younger people into apprenticeships, organisations can create clear career pathways, improve retention and develop future leaders who already understand their culture and values.
Adult social care needs long-term workforce solutions, and apprenticeships provide exactly that.
They allow employers to develop confident, competent professionals while learners gain nationally recognised qualifications and valuable workplace experience from day one.
For many young people, adult social care offers more than just a first job.
It provides purpose, progression and the opportunity to make a genuine difference to people's lives every day.
For employers, it's a chance to build a loyal workforce, strengthen succession planning and create opportunities within their local communities.
The next generation of outstanding care professionals is already out there.
The question isn't whether they're ready for adult social care.
It's whether adult social care is ready to invest in them.
At Realise, we work with care providers across England to recruit, develop and retain talented people through apprenticeships and workforce development programmes.
We're also proud to champion our Future Talent Employer Pledge, encouraging organisations to commit to creating meaningful opportunities for young people to start rewarding careers in adult social care. By signing the pledge, employers demonstrate their commitment to investing in the next generation, helping to build a stronger, more sustainable workforce for the future.
If you're thinking about taking on younger apprentices, want to understand how the latest funding changes could benefit your organisation, or would like to join our growing community of Future Talent Employer Pledge organisations, we'd love to help.