The government has announced a skills reform programme to give young people the opportunity to develop skills in priority areas for the country, including as carers and healthcare support workers.

120,000 new training opportunities will be available, backed by a record-breaking £3 billion apprenticeship budget.

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we’re backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive.

"When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future – creating opportunities as part of our Plan for Change.

"But everyone has a role to play in a thriving economy, and we’re taking our responsibility seriously providing more routes into employment, it’s now the responsibility of young people to take them."