Dominic McGregor, founding partner of Wilmslow-based VC Fearless Adventures and its training academy Another Avenue, as well as one of Manchester’s original Social Chain team,has today launched the 2026 Apprentice Pledge, a nationwide initiative calling on employers to take action on rising unemployment.
The pledge invites founders, MDs, CEOs, HR leaders, and hiring managers to commit to hiring, training, and developing at least one apprentice in 2026, helping to strengthen businesses, cultivate future leaders, and support the UK’s economic recovery.
Youth unemployment is rising across the UK, yet businesses continue to report difficulty finding skilled talent. Many employers say they cannot find people with the right experience, or that the talent pipeline is broken. McGregor emphasises that the next generation is ready to work – what they lack is opportunity.
The 2026 Apprentice Pledge transforms this insight into action. By signing, employers commit not only to hire but to actively train and develop apprentices, equipping them with the skills and experience to become tomorrow’s managers, operators, and leaders. Apprentices bring energy, fresh ideas, and digital-native thinking to businesses, and retention rates are higher than traditional hires. Beyond business benefits, hiring young talent supports the wider economy: each individual moving from unemployment into skilled work boosts local spending, tax receipts, and long-term productivity.
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Participants in the pledge become part of a growing network of employers dedicated to building the UK’s future talent pipeline. Signers also receive an official 2026 Apprentice Pledge badge to share on social media and career pages, publicly demonstrating their commitment to opportunity, skills, and the next generation of workers.
McGregor said: “We can no longer wait for the talent pipeline to fix itself. Young people in this country are ready to work, to learn, and to innovate. What they lack is opportunity. If we want a better country to build companies in, we have to help build it ourselves. The 2026 Apprentice Pledge is a chance for every employer to take responsibility, to open doors, and to create opportunity where it’s needed most.”
McGregor brings extensive experience supporting ambitious founders through Fearless Adventures, providing capital and wrap-around support to help founder-led businesses scale. Its award-winning training provider Another Avenue reflects his passion for nurturing talent and equipping the next generation with the skills needed to succeed in today’s fast-moving digital landscape.
In addition to launching the pledge, Another Avenue will be offering its first apprenticeship in January: a Broadcast Media Level 3 programme designed to support individuals seeking careers in the creative, media, and marketing sectors. The apprenticeship will provide hands-on training and development opportunities across a wide range of entry-level roles, helping participants gain the practical experience and skills needed to thrive in today’s fast-evolving media landscape.
